Presentation Cases

Chubbo · #1 11-07-2016, 12:47 PM

I hope this is the right category in which to start this thread. There are threads on holsters, grips, and all kinds of accessories for handguns, but I have never seen a thread on presentation cases. S&W, and Colt offered them with certain models over the years, and offered cases as accessories. There have been many makers of the cases that S&W, and Colt used, as well as cases offered for sale to the public. I think that a nice presentation case that holds a prized handgun, and it's accouterments really sets a handgun off. The use of cases to highlight handguns, is a practice that goes back centuries. I have studied and admired these cases for many years, and it became a hobby, to design, and build many from scratch, and also to adapt some comertial offerings to hold my handguns, and their accouterments, sometimes hand built also. So, how about all of you folks sharing pictures of your prized hand guns with us. I will start by showing a picture of a cherry wood case that I built for an "1968", unfired S&W Mod. 40, wearing Craig Spegel grips. Thanks.
Chubbo

FifthWheel · #2 11-07-2016, 12:54 PM

Very nice. I have a wooden box that had wine bottles in that I'm planning to refinish and modify for the same purpose.

Onomea · #3 11-07-2016, 04:39 PM

Well, if ya want the very, very best, and have a heap of extra cash, this is the guy for you:

Home - Huey Gun Cases

Gorgeous work.

FifthWheel · #4 11-07-2016, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onomea

Well, if ya want the very, very best, and have a heap of extra cash, this is the guy for you:

Home - Huey Gun Cases

Gorgeous work.

That is gorgeous work although the only thing I can see myself getting from them is ideas.

Tom S. · #5 11-07-2016, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onomea

Well, if ya want the very, very best, and have a heap of extra cash, this is the guy for you:

Home - Huey Gun Cases

Gorgeous work.

I'm glad I don't take heart medicine - I clicked on the price list.

A-37 · #6 11-07-2016, 07:54 PM

Here's a case made by a guy who makes humidors. The frame is walnut and the top is book-ended ash panels with an ebony border.

I made the display tray from 3/4" pine. The felt is applied with 3M spray adhesive.

The pistol is an old Hammerli .22 Short.

I bought the pistol from Mr. Huey of presentation case fame (see above posts).

Chubbo · #7 11-07-2016, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-37

Here's a case made by a guy who makes humidors. The frame is walnut and the top is book-ended ash panels with an ebony border.

I made the display tray from 3/4" pine. The felt is applied with 3M spray adhesive.

The pistol is an old Hammerli .22 Short.

I bought the pistol from Mr. Huey of presentation case fame (see above posts).

A-37:
That is a fine looking case, inside, and out.
Chubbo

Chubbo · #8 11-08-2016, 06:21 PM

Here is a picture of a couple of cases, that I built to hold a couple of my Safety Hammerless, or "Lemon Squeezer" S&W revolvers. One a .32 S&W Cal. 2nd. model, nickled, 3" bbl. unfired revolver, and a .38 S&W cal. 5th. mod. Blued 3 1/4" bbl. revolver. Thanks for sharing.
Chubbo http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1478643592

Chubbo · #9 11-09-2016, 04:31 PM

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1478723268 http://attachment.php?attachmentid=2...1&d=1478723091 hope this thread doesn't die before it gets started. Can't leave out the Colts, so, here is a picture of the case I built to hold my old Colt Gold Cup National Match .45 cal., Colt .22 cal. Conversion unit, all papers, and accouterments. It has two extra trays to hold and display other guns, or knife collections. This case with it's contents will go to my Son when I'm done with it. Thanks for sharing it with me.
Chubbo

FifthWheel · #10 11-09-2016, 04:55 PM

Beautiful work Chubbo. I decided to nix the wine box idea, too flimsy. I went to ebay and won a solid cherry Gerstner briefcase for $21. I'm going to put felt panels in it fitted for different guns, ammo, tools docs etc...It'll be a good winter project with interchangeable panels for varying firearms.

jcelect · #11 11-09-2016, 05:19 PM

Here is a case that was originally built for a mod41 with extra barrels, Olympic weight set, and gun. However before I completed the project the case warped, so I set it aside! 2 years later I resurrected the case, straightened out the warped lid, and decided to repurpose the case! This is the results!

jcelect

A-37 · #12 11-09-2016, 05:32 PM

Here's a walnut case I made for my Hammerli Model 205. One compartment is for the spare magazine and the other is for the cleaning tools.

Hardest part is making those dang compartment lids.

Those small piano hinges are from an R/C model shop, sold in 3' lengths.

jcelect · #13 11-09-2016, 07:30 PM

Here is a Walnut case with the pride of my collection! A mod 57 41 Mag /10 5/8" barrel. One of 4 ever made by S&W! The grips are by Keith Brown.

jcelect

A-37 · #14 11-09-2016, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcelect

Here is a Walnut case with the pride of my collection! A mod 57 41 Mag /10 5/8" barrel. One of 4 ever made by S&W! The grips are by Keith Brown.

jcelect

You get an A+ for craftsmanship and design. The wood accessory tray is outstanding as is the border trim.

Onomea · #15 11-09-2016, 11:36 PM

Also, very cool 57. 10 and 5/8ths bbl.... One of four. Nice!

Chubbo · #16 11-10-2016, 03:33 PM

I cheated a little and used the basic case by S&W to hold a Revolver with an 8 3/8" barrel. I had an 8 3/8" S&W mod 14-4 that came to me with no box, tools, or papers. I wanted to spruce it up with a Wood presentation case, and have it hold The mod. 14-4, and all necessary hand made tools and accouterments. Since S&W never offered Wood presentation cases for the K models, I decided to make the tools etc., and remodel the interior of this S&W Case, that was basicly made for an N mod. with 8 3/8" bbl. Midway through the project I scoped the 14-4 with a no drill & tap mount, Redfield Quick Disconnect rings, and a Redfield 4x long eye relief scope. The Case now holds the 14-4, and all of the accouterments, by removing the scope, and storing it in it's little cloth sleeve, in the tool tray. The iron sights can replace the scope mounts easily. The revolver is shown wearing fiddleback maple grips that match the other wood on the ammo box, and the tool handles. That special, to me, wood came from trees planted, by my Mother, and my Wife 60+ years ago. Sorry about the long winded story. Thanks for sharing this with me.
Chubbo

bamabiker · #17 11-12-2016, 09:17 AM

Something a little different

Chubbo · #18 11-12-2016, 11:12 AM

Bamma:
You are right, those cases are different, and unusual, but very elegant, and show great workmanship. Would you share the name of the maker with us?
Chubbo

bamabiker · #19 11-12-2016, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubbo

Bamma:
You are right, those cases are different, and unusual, but very elegant, and show great workmanship. Would you share the name of the maker with us?
Chubbo

Me.
Need more words to post.

jcelect · #20 11-12-2016, 06:15 PM

That cherry case is an outstanding design and workmanship! The exterior appears to be like any other well made cherry presentation case! But the interior is something else!
jcelect

arjay · #21 11-12-2016, 06:45 PM

Very nice workmanship Bama!

kfields · #22 11-12-2016, 08:46 PM

Hello Chubbo,
What a great topic and representation of your work!
I have few woodworking skills but wanted to have a case for my old Colt Model 1908 made in 1913. Here is the one I have:

I inherited the pistol from my Grandfather at his passing in 1981. He was gifted this pistol by one of his professors at the University of Illinois in 1918 to use as his carry piece during the war. There is a lot more history to this pistol.
With regards to the case, I purchased it at an antique store and then had Heritage Case Company in Delaware, Ohio, make the inserts, apply the felt and make the tray. I've done a bunch of research on the history of the pistol and where it has been over the years so all that documentation resides in the bottom of the case under the tray. The inserts on top include the original 1913 holster as well as some of my grandfathers belts he had in the service. I think the box itself is pretty old. The box is poplar I think. The case came with the lock and I had a locksmith make a key for me. Thanks for looking!
Kim
Kim

Tom S. · #23 11-13-2016, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamabiker

Something a little different

At one time during my working life, I had lusted for a numerical controlled Bridgeport to do just such work. Just one of those things that never worked out. Nice to see someone else doing it, whether you used my contrived idea or not.

bamabiker · #24 11-13-2016, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom S.

At one time during my working life, I had lusted for a numerical controlled Bridgeport to do just such work. Just one of those things that never worked out. Nice to see someone else doing it, whether you used my contrived idea or not.

I can only dream of owning such a machine. I don't even have a shop to put one in.
My tools are primitive compared to that but I make do with what I've got.
The cherry box came out pretty good but if you had it in hand you would certainly see some imperfections, as with all my boxes.
Thanks to all for the compliments.

To kfields, I love that old box and the "stuff" you keep in it.

old bear · #25 11-13-2016, 09:44 AM

Quote:

I'm glad I don't take heart medicine - I clicked on the price list.

Tom, after checking the prices I may need heart medication.

If someone has a HIGH $$ double, such as a Holland and Holland, whats another 2 or 3 grand to store it in.

Chubbo · #26 11-13-2016, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kfields

Hello Chubbo,
What a great topic and representation of your work!
I have few woodworking skills but wanted to have a case for my old Colt Model 1908 made in 1913. Here is the one I have:

I inherited the pistol from my Grandfather at his passing in 1981. He was gifted this pistol by one of his professors at the University of Illinois in 1918 to use as his carry piece during the war. There is a lot more history to this pistol.
With regards to the case, I purchased it at an antique store and then had Heritage Case Company in Delaware, Ohio, make the inserts, apply the felt and make the tray. I've done a bunch of research on the history of the pistol and where it has been over the years so all that documentation resides in the bottom of the case under the tray. The inserts on top include the original 1913 holster as well as some of my grandfathers belts he had in the service. I think the box itself is pretty old. The box is poplar I think. The case came with the lock and I had a locksmith make a key for me. Thanks for looking!
Kim
Kim

Kim:
That case, and it's contents sure is interesting, It shows construction methods used in another era, and helps to point out the history of the pistol, and its accouterments, and also the times, and uses that it was intended, and used for. A very interesting piece of history. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Chubbo

Chubbo · #27 11-13-2016, 08:31 PM

I am going to cheat a little again, and use an accessory case offered by S&W. It is a case similar to the one that I used to house the 14-4 * 3/8" shown in pic. #16 of this thread. I am attempting to build a Case to hold Two K model revolvers, a 6" 17-3 K .22 masterpiece and a 6" 14-2 K .38 masterpiece. I want it to hold all of the tools, and accouterments that one would likely take to the range. I am going to try to show the Case, and all of the remodeled, and home made tools, that will be needed to fit it all into this case. So far I'v spent a good bit of time making a screw driver, with all the bits, and a take down cleaning rod that will have to fit into a small space. This is what is done so far. I thought it might be fun to show a case being fitted.
Chubbo

Chubbo · #28 11-15-2016, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamabiker

Something a little different

I should have known you were the maker. Your work always amazes me. Is the carved leather top, a complete top for the small case shown? You may have delayed my retirement from building cases with your showing these two cases as I'm thinking of building one using your methods. It won't be the one with the leather top, as my leather working is very limited. You mentioned lusting after a CNC equipped milling machine, well, I have even got one of those a nice Grizley , and a lot of tooling, sitting unused in my shop. I acquired it too late in my " want to" life, and don't have the gumption, and want too, to learn how to use it properly. I paid my Son What his dealer offered for it as a trade in on a Bridgeport upgrade Mill. Oh well, maybe the gumption will come to me in the spring, I hope so. I might post a picture of it, when I work up the gumption.
Chubbo

bamabiker · #29 11-15-2016, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubbo

Is the carved leather top, a complete top for the small case shown?
Chubbo

Yes. The first picture of that box shows it sitting over the wood bottom.
I am limited in space and tools so sometimes I have to think outside the box on some of my projects. No pun intended.

Here the first 2 I did. The first one is for a M27. I covered the bottoms of these with leather also.

This is the first J fame I did.

FifthWheel · #30 11-20-2016, 09:39 AM

This is the Gerstner Briefcase I got on ebay for $21+shipping. Had to glue and sew the handle and gave it a good waxing. Did some Googling and found out these sell new for over $1000

Gonna put my model 41 and extra barrel in here and misc...

A-37 · #31 11-20-2016, 09:59 AM

Nothing exotic; just a case I made out of walnut. I grooved the long walnut frame pieces on a table saw to accept the 1/4" walnut veneer ply. Stained the case and rubbed in a few coats of oil.

The pistol is a 952-2.

FifthWheel · #32 11-20-2016, 10:06 AM

[QUOTE=A-37;139338519]Nothing exotic; just a case I made out of walnut.

Nice!
You have more wood working talent than I do.

soFlaNative · #33 11-20-2016, 12:42 PM

[quote=FifthWheel;139338530]

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-37

Nothing exotic; just a case I made out of walnut.

Nice!
You have more wood working talent than I do.

Agreed as do many in this fine thread.
Faint praise, however, from a guy who can't fit a miter cut.

Chubbo · #34 11-20-2016, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubbo

I am going to cheat a little again, and use an accessory case offered by S&W. It is a case similar to the one that I used to house the 14-4 * 3/8" shown in pic. #16 of this thread. I am attempting to build a Case to hold Two K model revolvers, a 6" 17-3 K .22 masterpiece and a 6" 14-2 K .38 masterpiece. I want it to hold all of the tools, and accouterments that one would likely take to the range. I am going to try to show the Case, and all of the remodeled, and home made tools, that will be needed to fit it all into this case. So far I'v spent a good bit of time making a screw driver, with all the bits, and a take down cleaning rod that will have to fit into a small space. This is what is done so far. I thought it might be fun to show a case being fitted. Progress is going very slow.
Chubbo

Here is the latest step in the design, and construction of the interior of an accessory case to hold a pair of S&W K Mod. 6" target revolvers, and their accouterments.
Chubbo

A-37 · #35 11-20-2016, 05:31 PM

Nice miter work.

What fits in those corner holes? Spare cylinders? Patches?

Chubbo · #36 11-20-2016, 08:40 PM

A-37:
Those holes in the corners are to hold HKS speed loaders, one for .22 LR, and one for .38 special. A real tricky part is going to be the tool compartment lid. Some of the small rails are not fastened together yet, then all of the rails will have to be fastened to the plywood bottom of the removable interior. It's going really slow, because when I get interrupted, and I have been every few minutes, I have to go back to scratch, and start all over again, This causes mistakes, and Some of the parts have been made, several times, because of this. Then after a couple of hours working, my arthritis takes over, and I'm done for at least a 24 hours.
Chubbo

Chubbo · #37 11-26-2016, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-37

Nothing exotic; just a case I made out of walnut. I grooved the long walnut frame pieces on a table saw to accept the 1/4" walnut veneer ply. Stained the case and rubbed in a few coats of oil.

The pistol is a 952-2.

A-37:
You and several others on this forum, are showing the enthusiasim , that I admire, used to have, and wish that I still had. Your work, and skill is outstanding. So, all of you skilled workers out there take pride in, your work, and enjoy it while you can. You folks are proving that Skill, and pride of workmanship is not lost in the past.
Chubbo

FifthWheel · #38 12-04-2016, 01:30 PM

Finished it way ahead of schedule. Acquired a post-war M&P and it got me all fired up!

I think this thread is what planted the idea for me in the first place, then I went to ebay and got the briefcase for next to nothing. The little project went without a hitch and I'm very happy with the finished product.
Mod 10 is on left, M&P on right

Chubbo · #39 12-06-2016, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FifthWheel

Finished it way ahead of schedule. Acquired a post-war M&P and it got me all fired up!

I think this thread is what planted the idea for me in the first place, then I went to ebay and got the briefcase for next to nothing. The little project went without a hitch and I'm very happy with the finished product.
Mod 10 is on left, M&P on right

Hi, FifthWheel:
That is one good looking case, and does the job that you want it to do. I did not know that wooden briefcases even existed. I may try to find one if I ever get back to building cases again. I had to stop working on my last case, as my wife's eye surgery turned bad, and we have been spending every day at eye hospitals letting surgeons try to correct the loss of vision in her eye. Enjoy that great looking case.
Chubbo

FifthWheel · #40 12-06-2016, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubbo

Hi, FifthWheel:
That is one good looking case, and does the job that you want it to do. I did not know that wooden briefcases even existed. I may try to find one if I ever get back to building cases again. I had to stop working on my last case, as my wife's eye surgery turned bad, and we have been spending every day at eye hospitals letting surgeons try to correct the loss of vision in her eye. Enjoy that great looking case.
Chubbo

Thanks for the kind words Chubbo. Hope all goes well with your wife and I can relate. My wife is getting an MRI scheduled for back and leg pain. I'm not sure what's going on because her non painful leg seems to be swelling. Too soon to tell but I think there's more to this than her back.

Chubbo · #41 12-18-2016, 05:59 PM

Here is the last post on building the inside of the S&W accessory case I'v been working on. I'm going to omit a couple of goofy ideas that I was going to use, and call it done, but, not the way I would have liked. I'v been fighting Arthritis, loss of skills, and mostly old age. I'v had to do most all of the steps in this construction over at least two, or three times times. So, I think I'll make this my last project of this type. One of the skills that i'v learned this winter, during this project is to give up, and quit. Here is pictures of the Case that I 'm not at all satisfied with, but that will have to do. Thanks for looking.
Chubboattachment.php?attachmentid=261260http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=261267&stc=1&d=14820982971264&stc=1&d=1482098297&stc=1&d=1482098297

FifthWheel · #42 12-18-2016, 06:14 PM

Looks great Chubbo. Two revolvers, accessories, no space wasted. I'd like to have that talent with wood.

medicmanpat · #43 12-18-2016, 10:48 PM

We have some real craftsmen here. Very impressive and really make the guns shine. Bama, that is some awesome work.

DWFAN · #44 12-19-2016, 12:44 AM

Very impressive guys. I love working with wood. It calms the demons.

DW