29-2 display case felt

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.
 

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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.
 

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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.
 
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

doc44-albums-presentation-cases-44-magnum-picture325-mahogany-presentation-case-44-magnum-1979-1985-a.jpg
 
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!
 
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.
 
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

doc44-albums-presentation-cases-44-magnum-picture325-mahogany-presentation-case-44-magnum-1979-1985-a.jpg

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).
 
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.

cs9MHgU.jpg
 
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
 
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.
 
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

doc44-albums-presentation-cases-44-magnum-picture325-mahogany-presentation-case-44-magnum-1979-1985-a.jpg
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.
 
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'
 

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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.
 
Case liners

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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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