The machinist that built that from raw stock is far more than just a machinist ... he is a full on ARTIST working in metal sculpture!!!
By the way I should clarify the phrase "just a machinist" as I have worked around master machinists, mold makers, tool and die men much of my life, and consider them as a class to be well above the likes of most PhD's, and such like academics, for both their depth of knowledge and mechanical aptitude!
So "just a machinist" is already to be considered a rarified compliment in my book!!!