I picked up this rifle case. Its adjustable 48+/- inches. Pattern is the same on both sides.

I'll be honest, this case looks cheaper to me in person than it was described online. Straps are two piece leather and thin. Brass buckles are thin. Interior is some kind of black synthetic fur-like material. Stitching seems thin for leather work as well

I like the color, stamping/carving, and the leather laced edges. I bought it to display with some very nice engraved rifles I have.

Now I'm not sure I want to keep it. I can return it if I want. I have a plain vintage Schoellkopf Co. rifle scabbard that is made with much heavier leather and more substantial hardware. Should I expect the same thing in a decorative type case or is this newer and that's how its done now? Leather seems to be thin with perhaps cardboard under it to shape it. Some of the stitching on the handle has failed.

No makers marks that I can see.

What would be the cost to have a case like this made today? I've looked online quit a bit and can't find anything comparable.

I would appreciate the opinions and current cost to build from those of you who know the leather industry.

Thanks, Steve

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Edit: To answer the questions below, it's not as described. The description said "excellent ++". It has worn leather spots, two paint splots on the base. I called to inquire specifically about the stitching because I have purchased vintage leather before only to have the stitching fall apart. I was told it was all intact and solid. When I received it today, the carry handle is coming apart and it's fastened in with brass rivets under the interior lining which would make repair complicated. I will be returning it. I have spent quite a bit with these people over the years, it shouldn't be a problem.
I didn't post the purchase price because, in hindsight, I'm a little embarassed/disgusted/angry. I thought I was buying a quality custom case. It will be returned.

**The leather either has a backer or it has been shaped and hardened somehow. It is not soft or pliable. Note the bend in the toe of the case (5th picture in 1st post).

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It definitely looks cheaply made. But, I don't know what you paid for it. The old saying you get what you pay for might be apt. To have one made, with quality leather, buckles, and carving, that you would be proud of, will be extremely expensive, I would think.
Larry

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Hate to tell you this -
But I have seen big piles of cases like that in stores on both sides of the Mexican Border.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I wouldn’t call that a rifle case, I’d call that a carved/stamped saddle scabbard.

I picked up a few for less than $20 over the past few years. If they have a recognized makers mark ( Heiser, S.D. Myers, Lawrence…) they can bring several hundred dollars.

Hard to offer advice, when we don’t know what you’re into it.
If it’s as described, returning it would be poor form.

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"I also cook."

I have several rifle cases, some made by me, some kits, and some purchased outright.

Maybe I didn't see the pics very well, but I would NOT say its looks cheap.

The leather by itself is worth a lot. In know, because I buy leather at times.

If I saw that in person I would gladly pay $150 for it. But, (without actually handling it), I would say it could be worth up to $200.

For those that said it was worth $20, Send me all you can at that price.

Once again, only going by the pics.

To my eye, it looks cheaply made. You state it is not as described in that how can it be excellent + + with stitching unravelling, etc.

You say thin leather with perhaps cardboard backing for shape retention.

Bottom line: You're not happy with it, Steve, so I think you should send it back. Find a guy who can make what you want, and be prepared to pay a bundle for it. My guess is, with the carving, considerably north of $500.

This guy could probably build what you want but he'd need a leather carver guy. Welcome to Murray Custom Leather

If you're not happy with it now, you never will. Return it.

I had almost this one's twin, only lighter leather, that I purchased back in the '70's in Mexicali, Mexico, for $20. Only difference was mine was sheep wool lined. I sold it years later for, actually, a handsome profit. I never did mount it on my horse, but I think it might have been alright.

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Kevin in Oregon