29-2 display case felt

B/STOCK · #1 08-12-2018, 04:29 PM

I have 29-2s in 6.5" and 8 3/8" that have display cases that show their age. I read about someone who replaces the felt or whatever lines them. If anyone has the info on who does this work I would appreciate it.
Also, I know that most vintage firearms need to be bone stock to retain their value. Does this apply to display cased also. Thanks, Mike

75Vette · #2 08-12-2018, 04:47 PM

Forum member jcelect is the display case master.

lrb1200 · #3 08-13-2018, 09:30 AM

B/Stock, follow 75Vettes advice.

Joe is 'The Man' with Presentation cases, he has done
multiple for me.

Example: Early 70's case, before and after.

B/STOCK · #4 08-13-2018, 02:01 PM

I sent him a IM or email and waiting for a reply, Thanks guys.

bigggbbruce · #5 08-13-2018, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B/STOCK

I read about someone who replaces the felt or whatever lines them.

When you get in touch with Joe, don't call it felt. He will correct you, it's a specific cloth he located that doesn't wrinkle when wrapping the edges..

03hemi · #6 08-13-2018, 04:29 PM

Looks like "flocking" to me.

EricR · #7 08-13-2018, 06:21 PM

Joe taught me how to do mine on my own. Definitely not flocked.

sw282 · #8 08-13-2018, 09:42 PM

The originals in the mahogany cases are MOST assuredly ''FOCKED''

Flocking kits/supplies are available at Hobby Lobby or most any craft store

EricR · #9 08-13-2018, 09:51 PM

Point is that Joe’s method, meaning materials, are superior to the flocking applied in original factory presentation cases. No doubt others have chosen to restore with a flocking. I opted for Joe’s method.

03hemi · #10 08-14-2018, 08:56 AM

If you're not gonna do it to original specs, you might as well just line it with velvet then, it'll last longer and is more plush and you can do it yourself and save a lot of money. I would only pay someone that was going to re-flock it like the original (which can be done). It's easy to line, I made this from an old humidor for a Colt 1911.

EricR · #11 08-14-2018, 09:05 AM

Here's before and after pics of mine. I don't recall the name of the type of material, but Joe had recommended and I picked it up from Joanne Fabrics. Again, personal preference but I would take this over flock or velvet.

03hemi · #12 08-14-2018, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricR

Here's before and after pics of mine. I don't recall the name of the type of material, but Joe had recommended and I picked it up from Joanne Fabrics. Again, personal preference but I would take this over flock or velvet.

That would be called "felt" my friend, felt is very cheap compared to velvet and not as plush and won't last as long. Hell, I think I may need to start doing this re-lining thing myself! May I ask what he charged you to do that?

EricR · #13 08-14-2018, 09:56 AM

I did this work myself. Cost was materials only. Glad you like your velvet job!

03hemi · #14 08-14-2018, 10:01 AM

You did a really good job relining it, using the contact glue can be frustrating and tricky at best sometimes, I certainly wasn't knocking it at all, great job!

75Vette · #15 08-14-2018, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricR

I did this work myself. Cost was materials only. Glad you like your velvet job!

Great looking job Eric. It looks 100% better without the wrinkles and is closer to original.

Laketime · #16 08-14-2018, 07:20 PM

I notice the re flocking done is usually a much lighter blue than the original darker blue I remember my cases coming with.

lamarw · #17 08-14-2018, 07:33 PM

Awaiting mine from Joe. He is seriously backlogged. In all fairness mine maybe a challenge.

ben_g1 · #18 08-14-2018, 09:49 PM

I use real flocking on mine, nylon flocking like they use on decoys, as doesn't absorb or retain moisture/oil etc..

May not last as long as the glued on material, but has much cleaner and crisper edges on the corners around the gun and tool slots.

For those wanting to do it themselves a hint. Sand down the tool box lid edges (on later boxes that have them) before applying the material, or they will not have the clearance to fit flush.

sw282 · #19 08-15-2018, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricR

I did this work myself. Cost was materials only. Glad you like your velvet job!

Beautiful case Eric. The later cases with with the tray and gun

pointed RIGHT are not flocked.. They appear to be some type

foam rubber.. With age it literally crumbles and disintegrates.

l don't remember seeing any of those 'right handers' survive.

Most anything is an improvement over the original.

l have a factory lined Blue Velvet case however.. lts from a

125th Anniversary Model 25-3. Some say the most beautiful

case the factory has made..

cmansguns · #20 08-15-2018, 08:51 AM

The OP did ask a question that has so far gone unanswered in the posts. Does the case lose value if relined or restored? Answer from Mr. Cebul himself in lots older threads I saw on this Forum indicate that Yes......if restored, even to original appearing, still means restored...no longer 100% pure original.

Mr. Cebul indicates that you need to ask yourself this question, and then answer for yourself. Don't worry about other folks and their opinions. If you do go ahead and have it restored, then if you sell later, my opinion would be that you would be "obligated" (at least by personal honor) to disclose that fact.

Other than that I am still gathering funds for my 1980 29-2 (gun points right) case that whatever the original was has long ago turned to dust to get restored by Mr. Cebul someday. The pics of his work are amazing.

The jobs done by the other posters are also super nice. They sure look better than the worn out factory stuff.

03hemi · #21 08-15-2018, 08:55 AM

I would think to a collector, they would want it flocked like the original no doubt. Felt or velvet would be my 2nd choice but has no collector appeal, foam would be the last choice and be more prone to hold moisture I'd think. To each their own. I personally like the wrinkles and intentionally did mine that way, it can be made smooth (to an extent), but I think it makes it look more plush, typically when you see a gun display case they're always wrinkled on purpose for that reason I believe. Here's another one I did for my Tommy that came out pretty nice, it's not hard, just time consuming and anybody can do it.

lrb1200 · #22 08-15-2018, 09:03 AM

Well, lot of good talk on Presentation cases

A previous poster had mentioned he had never seen
a 'point to the right' case that had not disintegrated.

Here is an example of a 4 in., in original condition
to the best of my knowledge.

Laketime · #23 08-15-2018, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmansguns

The OP did ask a question that has so far gone unanswered in the posts. Does the case lose value if relined or restored? Answer from Mr. Cebul himself in lots older threads I saw on this Forum indicate that Yes......if restored, even to original appearing, still means restored...no longer 100% pure original.

Mr. Cebul indicates that you need to ask yourself this question, and then answer for yourself. Don't worry about other folks and their opinions. If you do go ahead and have it restored, then if you sell later, my opinion would be that you would be "obligated" (at least by personal honor) to disclose that fact.

Other than that I am still gathering funds for my 1980 29-2 (gun points right) case that whatever the original was has long ago turned to dust to get restored by Mr. Cebul someday. The pics of his work are amazing.

The jobs done by the other posters are also super nice. They sure look better than the worn out factory stuff.

I think most anyone should spot a redone by Joe since he is not even close to matching original color if interior.

Doc44 · #24 08-15-2018, 06:02 PM

Below is a photo of a presentation case with its original covering. This type of case was used from 1979 to 1985. This case has never had a revolver in it and if I was to put one in it, the case would most likely fall apart.

Also, the only two styles of case that had their inserts covered with dark blue flocking were those used from 1960-1968 (clamshell type) and 1975 through 1978 or early 1979. All other types of presentation cases have the inserts covered with cloth or some type of synthetic material. The latter material deteriorated rapidly. Synthetic material was used to cover the inserts in cases used from 1969-1974 and 1979-1985.

Bill

EricR · #25 08-15-2018, 06:13 PM

Nice time capsule box Bill! To me, the box restoration subject looks to be a topic that lots of us can agree to disagree. When I had my long lost 29-2 and all it's packaging returned to me, I was introduced to Joe Cebul's work. It sounded great to me, and as mentioned he ended up "guiding" me on how to do it on my own. I don't worry a lick about how it may compare to original. As mine had disintegrated I'm happy with the results. This coming from an advanced milsurp collector of many flavors who won't let a single tiny component or accessory touch any of my martial arms that isn't 100% authentic. And yes, all my S&W revolvers sport period correct or original stocks!

Tom K · #26 08-15-2018, 06:34 PM

In my viewpoint, an original case with a disintegrated liner would be like having a gun that was originally sold "in the white" with no finish, and had acquired a coating of rust. It may be original but it's nasty! I would much rather have a Cebull refurbished liner than a leprous, spotty original - and I have had Joe redo one for me.

As for relining with velvet, with all the wrinkles they are not in the least bit attractive.

ben_g1 · #27 08-15-2018, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc44

Below is a photo of a presentation case with its original covering. This type of case was used from 1979 to 1985. This case has never had a revolver in it and if I was to put one in it, the case would most likely fall apart.

Also, the only two styles of case that had their inserts covered with dark blue flocking were those used from 1960-1968 (clamshell type) and 1975 through 1978 or early 1979. All other types of presentation cases have the inserts covered with cloth or some type of synthetic material. The latter material deteriorated rapidly. Synthetic material was used to cover the inserts in cases used from 1969-1974 and 1979-1985.

Bill

Bill, is there a molded plastic tray under that material? If so, did the material lift as one whole piece from it, or is that a piece of foam on the bottom too?

Have not seen one like that (with foam sheet on bottom with tool lid, instead of molded plastic tray).

EricR · #28 08-15-2018, 09:00 PM

Not a foam sheet on bottom, only top. Rather, an elastic type material on the bottom that lasted maybe 20 years tops. If a revolver had been placed in it all you'd have seen the depression somewhat.

Here's the last pic of mine before I transformed it.

Doc44 · #29 08-16-2018, 07:48 AM

The plastic insert is below the covering as shown in EricR's post. The insert and its covering lift out as a unit. The covering is stretched enough to "hide" the insert.

Bill

steelslaver · #30 08-16-2018, 08:38 AM

All I know is I had Joe redo the inserts for my 27-2 5" box and I have no regrets and am very happy with it. Restored is restored. No mater what material you use. I suppose the actual factory correct material may add some value to a restored box, but the question is how much.

Laketime · #31 08-16-2018, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc44

Below is a photo of a presentation case with its original covering. This type of case was used from 1979 to 1985. This case has never had a revolver in it and if I was to put one in it, the case would most likely fall apart.

Also, the only two styles of case that had their inserts covered with dark blue flocking were those used from 1960-1968 (clamshell type) and 1975 through 1978 or early 1979. All other types of presentation cases have the inserts covered with cloth or some type of synthetic material. The latter material deteriorated rapidly. Synthetic material was used to cover the inserts in cases used from 1969-1974 and 1979-1985.

Bill

My two 29-2's came in those style case exactly.My two both developed damage to the liner from oil leaking onto them while sitting in my safe.

03hemi · #32 08-16-2018, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K

In my viewpoint, an original case with a disintegrated liner would be like having a gun that was originally sold "in the white" with no finish, and had acquired a coating of rust. It may be original but it's nasty! I would much rather have a Cebull refurbished liner than a leprous, spotty original - and I have had Joe redo one for me.

As for relining with velvet, with all the wrinkles they are not in the least bit attractive.

Meh, ya know what they say about opinions. S&W sure likes the wrinkles as they've made plenty of cases with them, I guess because they just look more plush and refined. Flocking looks good, foam, no way hose'

ben_g1 · #33 08-16-2018, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc44

The plastic insert is below the covering as shown in EricR's post. The insert and its covering lift out as a unit. The covering is stretched enough to "hide" the insert.

Bill

OK, I understand now (sometimes it takes awhile

) I guess I never seen one that wasn't turned to dust, didn't know the material was stretched over the tray like that.

Thanks for showing that preserved one, that's how we learn all this great information from this forum.

jcelect · #34 08-16-2018, 11:53 AM

To all that have posted in this thread!
Doc 44 wrote an excellent commentary about this subject on this forum, but I can't find it right now!
There were four different types of liners used in the Mahogany cases from 1960-1985! Two of these types were flocked and two were covered with a thin piece of foam rubber(pictured in the post by Doc44). Each of these different types had problems with longevity! This is where I come in! I DO NOT restore these liners, I REFURBISH them! I take a set of liners that are cracked, broken with holes, original covering gone, and generally in a state of disrepair so bad that the case can't be used to display a gun and turn it into a case that is capable of displaying a gun and looks good! The colors and material do not match the original because of what is available today compared to 40-50 years!
To the OP! A refurbish case will not sell for the same high price of an original. That is because of the purist in our collector fraternity group! To each their own!
jcelect Joe Cebull SWCA#LM723

Automag · #35 08-16-2018, 06:41 PM

Joe is a great guy and his case refurbishments are really attractive and professional. He actually willingly spent a bunch of time with me, to only talk me out of getting my case redone, partly because it was as he said, ‘unusual’. As a buyer, I would not spend more for an original case in poor condition, but I would not demand a price reduction for a properly refurbed case. If I had a standard case that needed a refurb, I’d do it, and not worry about the price differential; besides a great case presents a great gun as well as possible, which may attract more buyers. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about sales, as all of my guns are getting buried with me... I think...Just my opinion.

EricR · #36 08-16-2018, 06:57 PM

I hear ya Automag. At least that's what my wife used to say, that I'd NEVER sell anything. But I'm pretty sure I will. Unless I die first. That could happen.

John Fugate · #37 08-16-2018, 09:34 PM

Have Joe C. do it in crush velvet, preferably a nice violet or a teal of some sorts. It may cost you a little more but you will have the one and only. You will have a " One OFF JC CUSTOM Case. " When its complete I will letter it for you. I have one of those squeeze seals, like Roy does. My seal says " Call Jr at BR549" , nobody ever looks very close at those seals anyway. Legit.

jcelect · #38 08-16-2018, 11:59 PM

It's not teal but it is bright. As I stated "to each their own"!

jcelect