Model 29 presentation case question

[TEXVET]

I recently bought a 8 3/4" Model 29-2 to complete my Model 29 collection. I have one of each barrel length Model 29 S&W has made.
A friend of mine told a friend of his about my purchase. My friend's friend offered to give me his Presentation Case made for the 8 3/4" Model 29. Several years ago his house was broken into and all of his guns were stolen, so he didn't have a use for the case any longer.
This case is like most of the other old presentation cases in that the lining has turned to dust. The case exterior is like new and the original tools are present.
I know this has probably been beaten to dead before but....

Should I keep the case "as is" ( dust included)?
Should I dump the deteriorated interior and keep the plastic liner and tools?
I understand there is a guy on this website that reconditions these old case. Is it an interior only restoration, or is it a total restoration?
Would having this done increase the value of the gun and case enough to cover the cost of having the case done?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Doc44]

I would remove all of the deteriorated lining material and send a private message to Joe Cebull (jcelect) about having it restored.

Bill

 

[fyimo]

Joe did the restoration on several S&W Presentations cases for me over the years and they turned out looking like factory new. So like Bill said I would get a hold of him.

 

[bob42]

Joe does great work and his price is very reasonable. He will do the interior only or also the exterior. He can also replace hinges as necessary.

 

[TEXVET]

Is Joe still active on this site?
I sent him a PM yesterday and have not received a response at this time. I figure with the Holidays and assuming he may have a backlog of work, he is probably a busy fellow. I am in no hurry, just curious.

I haven't received a response on whether having a reconditioned presentation case, to go with a gun, would increase the value of the gun and box enough to offset the cost of having the box reconditioned. I keep my guns locked in drawers in my gun cabinet, so the presentation cases would be sitting on a shelf in a closet in my house until I sell the gun it would go with.

 

[VM]

He'll get back to you when he can.
Joe is good Man to deal with

 

[Doc44]

I believe a restored case will be worth the cost of having it done, if or when, you decide to sell the gun. A case with a lining turned to blue dust is of little value to anyone.

Bill

 

[jcelect]

Joe's here!

Hey TEXVET
Joe's still active, some days slower than others, but still working on cases/liners every day! From your description I will assume you have a case like this! ? !

This is the same case after I have relined it with a blue cloth.

I will recover your liners for $35.00, refinish the case with a hand rubbed Tung Oil finish for $15.00, and replace a hinge for $10.00 each if needed. Also I request the return shipping amount. I sell the restored cases for $125(when I have the correct one) so if you have less than $50 in the case you could recoup you money by selling the case alone!

Please try my email [email protected]

jcelect

 

[lrb1200]

Restoration

Joe does amazing work, and very reasonable.
See before and after

 

[WaywardSon]

Hey TEXVET
Joe's still active, some days slower than others, but still working on cases/liners every day! From your description I will assume you have a case like this! ? !

This is the same case after I have relined it with a blue cloth.

I will recover your liners for $35.00, refinish the case with a hand rubbed Tung Oil finish for $15.00, and replace a hinge for $10.00 each if needed. Also I request the return shipping amount. I sell the restored cases for $125(when I have the correct one) so if you have less than $50 in the case you could recoup you money by selling the case alone!

Please try my email [email protected]

jcelect

Nice looking work! I recently acquired a very nice 29-2 with the case. The gun itself is almost mint. The case...not so much Thanks to this forum I now know how to fix that!

Check your email

 

[Ron Roehrick]

Joe sent you an email. Ron.

 

[TEXVET]

I have been away from this site due to the holidays. I finally got back to this thread. My two boxes are similar in damage to the ones shown. The case exteriors are okay, but the interiors are shot.
I will be sending both of my boxes off to be reconditioned after reviewing the work performed.
Thanks for the information.

 

[Old TexMex]

Mr. Cebull does fine work. My 57 box came back perfecto.

 

[TEXVET]

We are in contact at the present time. I will be sending him a money order next week.