What do you get the firearms enthusiast who has everything? How about a torch-cut submachine gun that lives on as a one-of-a-kind work of art?
And not just any SMG.
This would be one of the most iconic firearms of the post-World War II era: the Uzi!
Introduced into service nearly 60 years ago, the Uzi is a name that has earned respect from many while striking fear into those on its receiving end. Even those who have never seen one certainly know the name. Constructed from stamped sheet metal, it was less expensive to produce than contemporary weapons that were machined, and with its relatively few moving parts, the Uzi also proved to be easy to strip and maintain.
More than 90 countries around the world have employed the Uzi at some point – and from the 1960s to the 1980s, the Israeli-made firearm outsold all other submachine guns and saw use in the military, law enforcement, and even security markets. It wouldn’t be off the mark to suggest that the Uzi was already a masterpiece. But now, one inspiring inventor/marketer/artisan has transformed the iconic firearm into pieces fit for display.
Massachusetts-based artist, Arthur Schawbel, has launched Demili-Art, where he combines his passion for history, machinery, art, and the captivating narratives of firearms. His initial series is focused on the Israeli SMG, with all the parts sourced from the Middle Eastern nation.
“Each Demili-Art piece is carefully crafted and features a unique design that highlights the intricate details of the torch-cut receiver and original parts,” Schawbel explained on his website. “These pieces come in a variety of configurations, including the Historical Series and others using the demilitarized weapon as a canvas for creativity and expression, creating a striking three-dimensional display that showcases the unique beauty of each piece.”
The one-of-a-kind Demili-Art Historical Series pieces include a Japanese-inspired “Kintsugi-Uzi” with a framed Uzi in a display shadow box, and an Uzi encased in a custom-made acrylic display case. Available from the Demili-Art website, prices begin at $1,675 for the “Kintsugi-Uzi.”
While the firearms appear to have been torch cut and are therefore compliant with the ATF guidelines on deactivating a machine gun, would-be owners are still advised to check with local laws, including those involving high-capacity magazines.
