LOL.. There's a great photo on the NY Times web site home page right now
showing the new Speaker of the House holding a long, slender gavel over
her head (and those of the children collected for this photo op). To my
mind the gavel is a perfect example of being "proportionate to body
type." Clearly a showpiece, it's somewhat longer than 10 inches but it
looks good in her hand just the same.

How apropos.

J.



mike wrote:
John,

Thanks for the information. My thoughts are certainly concentrated now.
I will try for some brass tube and get it engraved, and I have some
nicely figured oak left over from a previous project which may work
well. I take your point about the boxes and will probably just buy
suitable ones. Although these are strictly for show and will never be
used in anger, I want them to look and feel correct.

Thanks again

Mike