Probably what people call barbecue guns and most likely a 1911. You want it to be a gun that is all steel and the mostly regular surfaces of a 1911 lend themselves well I would think to engraving.If you could have a gun engraved, which one would you choose and what pattern?
I would ask the opinion of the engraver as to what gun is the better format. Since art is presentation and there are things about it that i do not understand. The revolver has that cylinder that presents some surface.I see what you mean about the 1911 having surface that is fairly flat with space to make the engraving.
I am hoping to meet an engraver later this month. He is delivering several guns to folks in Pensacola. I have seen some of this work and it was also on a 1911 and a revolver. I was thinking about dressing up one of mine but never really thought about which gun.
An engraved gun is worth less to me than a plain gun but I don’t like tattoos either so to each his own.
A floral, western, hunt or animal should be appropriate for the "firearms common usage". Quail and pheasants blend on a shotgun but not well on a revolver. Trump Rules on a SAA probably won't have wide appeal but wester patterns do. The more specifically focused (Wars, States, military units, people and such) the narrower the field of appreciation and its value. Mass produced (even in low numbers like 1K or 2K) "tribute firearms" are very focused. I would be very hesitant on engraving a gun with vivid charcoal/bone case hardening as the engraving may not contrast well and end up conflicting each other.
Bottom line is if its for you and you want it: do it, the value is in what it mean to you. If your priority is market value and resale refer to above info. IMHO
Value is in the eye of the beholder.