Early .44 magnum Presentation Cases

[boykinlp]

I didn't want to highjack Mark Hayden's thread, so I am asking my question in its own thread.

I have a couple of those blue leatherette presentation cases, one a late 1956 with 5-screw revolver, and the other a 1958 with 4-screw revolver. Both are in the typical condition for their age inside and out. The inside of both are faded and have a couple of holes. The outside of both is in pretty good condition except the gold lettering is faded.

What is the general consensus of getting these refurbished? I have gotten some of the mahogany ones redone. I know that some folks want everything original. Do you think getting them refurbished increases their value, decreases their value, or has no real effect on value, especially on the first year case? Thanks for your input.
Larry

 

[JRB416]

In my opinion I would leave the cases as is and not refurbish them. They are only original once and it sounds like your cases are not in bad shape. Others my feel differently, but personally I like originality.

 

[ENNE-FRAME]

I didn't want to highjack Mark Hayden's thread, so I am asking my question in its own thread.

I have a couple of those blue leatherette presentation cases, one a late 1956 with 5-screw revolver, and the other a 1958 with 4-screw revolver. Both are in the typical condition for their age inside and out. The inside of both are faded and have a couple of holes. The outside of both is in pretty good condition except the gold lettering is faded.

What is the general consensus of getting these refurbished? I have gotten some of the mahogany ones redone. I know that some folks want everything original. Do you think getting them refurbished increases their value, decreases their value, or has no real effect on value, especially on the first year case? Thanks for your input.
Larry

Ciao Larry
Here in Italy I have had several 1700s Venetian boxes, lined in paper, restored, with incredible results. And recently I have asked to restore also a S&W 1956 presentation case because is also being lined in paper. You have to look for a restorers of paper works such as etchings, lithographs, watercolors etc.etc. They will have the right competence and ability to return everything that has paper or cardboard as a support to its original splendor.
In 1700 in Venice, wooden furniture and accessories covered with decorated paper on which transparent lacquer was then passed were fashionable.
And if you need to restore the outside of a piece of furniture or furnishings well, you need to hire a good restorer of paper works of art. The S&W box in question is made of wood covered in pressed heavy paper and imitation leather, easy job for a valent paper restorer. If he's good, they can also replace the lining if some paper parts are missing.

I did this search on google: etching and watercolor restorer in USA,
and this is the first restorer I found in the USA after a minute's search on the web. Look for one that is nearby or convenient for you.
The Conservation Center
These professionals are used to very complicated jobs, restoring a box for them is child's play, the cost will therefore be acceptable, at least here in Italy it is like that.

In the photos attached an unrestored example, where the paper applied to the rigid structure of the box is evident, lining everything imitating leather.

 

[KSK]

I prefer to keep the cases as original as possible. The interior of the early dark blue / black 44 Magnum cases are just cardboard lined with a thin fabric. To the extent that I have restored these that, need it, is to lay some new fabric over the original lining and minimally afix it with a bit of tape to the lid and a few staples around the perimeter of the bottom cut out. I also run a new string of elastic cord to hold the tools. This way it looks presentable and all the original lining is preserved beneath. I don't do anything to the exterior other than lightly clean it. Joann's fabric has blue liner material that is about as exact a match as you can hope to find. Good luck!

 

[AC Man]

I have a 1956 and 1957 black leatherette 44 mag with tools. I don't see a way to restore them. They need to remain original. Wiping it down with a conditioner does wonders to make it pop.

 

[The Gila Bender]

Depends on the condition of your .44's. I recommend keeping the orginal condition materials. I bought a smooth presentation case for my well-worn, but original with coke stocks, July 1956 shooter, S147233. The box itself is in decent shape but the ratty lining had a nasty smell, like really old stinky socks. I replaced the lining with new fabric and put the old fabric in a sealed bag with a dryer sheet. I'm happy with the result; the old shooter rests in a period-correct case and it doesn't smell like spoiled cheese.
My .44 here: First year .44 Magnum, what are the proper tools?

 

[spin132]

I chose to restore my due to ratty condition I received it in. The supporting frame for the lining is cheaply constructed cardboard held together with staples. I didn't see another viable option, so I sent to our own Joe Cebull who did an excellent restoration. I kept the old frame just in case.

Mike

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[USBP SW]

Spin132, I hope that's the before photo!

 

[boykinlp]

Depends on the condition of your .44's. I recommend keeping the orginal condition and materials.

Here are some pictures of my cases. The first 3 pictures are of the 1958 Presentation Case and revolver. The revolver is in 99% condition. It is wearing Keith Brown grips in one picture, but wears the original "Coke" grips normally as in the third picture. As you can see, the Presentation Case has some holes on the inside, and the outside labeling is faded.

The next 2 pictures are of the 1956 first year gun. It is in 99% condition. The first picture shows the inside of the presentation case. I have all the tools, they just aren't in the picture. The white elastic string is broken, and a hole at the muzzle. The second picture again shows the case with faded labeling and the gun again.

So my guns are in superb condition, but the presentation cases have some problems. That's why it is difficult for me to decide what to do with them. I know Joe does awesome work because he has done 3 of the mahogany ones for me before. On this style case, does Joe reinforce the original insides like on the mahogany cases, or does he build a complete new one?
Larry

 

[The Gila Bender]

Since your .44's are in such good condition consider having a chat with Joe Cebull about making new inserts for the presentation cases.

 

[Truckman]

Since your .44's are in such good condition consider having a chat with Joe Cebull about making new inserts for the presentation cases.

That would be my suggestion also...No way to go wrong with that decision......Ben

 

[Patrick L]

I agree with most, yours is in good enough condition I would probably leave the outsides alone. Interior maybe call Joe?

That said, here's the one I did a restoration on. As you can see, mine was BAD. The paint spatters where the end of the case was obviously sticking out from under something else were in such a straight line I originally thought maybe the case came that way!

Hopefully I pasted this link right. It's from 2010.

Pre 29 presentation case restoration UPDATED 10/16

 

[spin132]

So my guns are in superb condition, but the presentation cases have some problems. That's why it is difficult for me to decide what to do with them. I know Joe does awesome work because he has done 3 of the mahogany ones for me before. On this style case, does Joe reinforce the original insides like on the mahogany cases, or does he build a complete new one?

Larry

Larry, first of all, what a beautiful trio of early 44's, I'm a little jealous! Joe does not use the original frame to restore, in fact, he instructed me not to send it. I suspect he has devised a sturdier version. He also refinished the outside of the case on the one shown below as the colors had faded. I'm guessing he would just work on the insides if you wanted to keep outside original. I was pleased with the outcome.

Mike

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[boykinlp]

Larry, first of all, what a beautiful trio of early 44's, I'm a little jealous! Joe does not use the original frame to restore, in fact, he instructed me not to send it. I suspect he has devised a sturdier version. He also refinished the outside of the case on the one shown below as the colors had faded. I'm guessing he would just work on the insides if you wanted to keep outside original. I was pleased with the outcome.

Mike

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

Mike, yours turned out AMAZING!
Larry