Linda that photo is not up to your usual high standard, but I can just hear the stories behind those insignia, patches, and ribbons.
Do tell, please.
I knew as soon as I posted that full length photo that it was really bad and thought it wouldn't be noticed. I was too lazy to open the safe and take some new ones. My regular camera is fine but I'm having problems transferring to the computer. I think I used my iPad for that photo!
Here's new photos with my iPhone… can't get the detail that far with with the phone
Top revolver is an uncut Webley in .455
Next is a model 10-5, shipped 1963, Boston Army Base, US marked and is a bring back from Vietnam. Used by two different MACV Army Captains (Jim on the left, Jay on the right). The ribbons and insignia are not theirs personally but is a representative of what they earned. It's still a work in progress. It took a few years to get the research done. The gun was brought back from the Captain whose awards are on the left. I also have his drop leg western style holster, made in Vietnam.
3rd row… left, Victory shipped May 1944 to US Navy, Norfolk, Va and was carried by Stockton Strong, WWII Navy pilot, who earned three Navy Crosses (Battle of Midway…) I have his holster and set of wings
On the right is a USMC "Officer Model" shipped December 1953 to
US Marine Corps Barstow, CA. It has a "parkerized" finish.
Left to right going down.. Victory US Maritime Service; Victory shipped USN Roslyn, VA (OSS); Royal Hong Kong Customs & Excise; Lend Lease Union South Africa May 1940; 2 Hi Standard shipped to War Dept., and last a German Mauser Broomhandle, c.1937 and used during Chinese Civil War with Chinese markings
(stock is a reproduction)
I took the existing fiberboard inner door out and replaced it with 3/4" plywood and re-covered the surface with a thin carpet fabric. Used the same fabric on new shelves and base of safe. When installing the new shelves, I cut them about an inch shorter to allow for the depth of the guns on the inside of the door so they wouldn't rub when closing. The fiberboard I took out was probably fire retardant, but.. most safes aren't really fireproof.. they are rated in minutes. I'm more concerned about theft. Make sure you have a smoke alarm above it!
PS… quick warning note…. If you are using any kind of fabric covering be sure to use a nail to open up the hole for the screw.. sort of " pre-drilling" without a drill bit. If you use a drill bit, the drill will pull the fabric and you'll wind up with a large wad of fabric wrapped around the drill bit.. don't ask me how I know!
I have pre-drilled holes in the wood surface before covering with felt.. you just need to poke around with a needle thru the felt to find the hole.