Presentation Case question

[DrBay]

Hello All:

A week or so ago, I posted a photo of my engraved Model 1 third issue and asked for opinions on who the engraver might be. Many great responses. Thanks!

I have been looking for a presentation case for my Model 1 third. I came across the case in the attached photo and as you can see, it is far too big for my Model 1. Can anyone tell me what pistol this case is for? Is it for a Smith and Wesson? What is the narrow slot at the top back of the case intended for? I was thinking that the case is maybe for a Model 2 Army .32 but that narrow slot has me confused. Can anyone provide opinions on this case, age, manufacturer, correct pistol, ammo box, etc.?

As always, thanks for the expert opinions!

 

[iby]

The slot is probably for tools like a cleaning brush/etc
The intended gun seems like a fairly large frame piece with a fairly short barrel
Neat puzzle!

 

[BMur]

Mystery case

It's about time someone posted a wood case. I really like cased antiques. Could you post another photo of the case with no gun inside? I think we can better guess what gun was in the case by seeing the rub markings on the lining. Often a signature of a revolver with spur trigger and birds head grip or da, etc.

Also please post additional photo's of the top of the case lid and bottom of the case, front of the case where the key slot is?

Thanks for posting.

Murph

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

The area where the box of 22 ammo is located looks to be for something in the 38 Short or 38 S&W caliber range. (I have a 38RF F&W revolver and that area looks perfect for a box of that ammo!)

Ivan

 

[DrBay]

I will try to get a photo of the inside of the empty box.

 

[orbruce]

Would a S&W Model 1 1/2 (Old or New) fit in the case? The case reminds me of English type cases I have seen.

B, Mower

 

[BMur]

Variations of cases

There really is a huge variety of cases out there. Early to late manufacture. Actually too long to list them all but they are all wonderful.

I've found the most common theme to be a bright Red felt material used by Major Distributors when casing smaller caliber Smith & Wesson revolvers seen in photo's posted.

However, an early case also can have a darker color or even a Purple felt material like the OP's. Brown is also not uncommon. I think a wood case really boosts value. Especially for an engraved gun.

Photo's 1&2 Depict the typical bright Red lined case that is the most often found with small caliber Smith & Wesson revolvers

Photo's 3&4 are a step up in style and color more often found from Hartley & Graham cased Smiths

Photo 5 is an example of a reconstituted case from original cap and ball to cartridge having a very early style lining. This in my opinion does not in the least depreciate the value. It's a wonderful early case with a well fit Baby Russian mated to the case.

Unfortunately, finding a smaller caliber case is very difficult. The medium sized cases for calibers in 32, 38, and 41 isn't too difficult at all. In fact the medium size is the most common case. I'd say the small cases are the hardest to find with the large cases a close second.

Murph

 

[DrBay]

Hi B
Those look great! Thank you for the info. Any idea what size gun would fit in the case that I posted the picture of or do you still need a photo with the case empty? I did post pictures of the top and bottom of the box.

 

[BMur]

Gun size?

Hi B
Those look great! Thank you for the info. Any idea what size gun would fit in the case that I posted the picture of or do you still need a photo with the case empty? I did post pictures of the top and bottom of the box.

Medium case equals 32,38,41 caliber pistol. Yours is a medium sized case. If we can see the empty case we might see the "shadow" of the gun that resided within.

From the photos you provided the case follows an early pattern. It has a white base( Pine) and what appears to be walnut shell. That's correct for Major Distributor wood gun cases of that era. It also has a single lock and double screw hinge. That's the American case pattern. The British case normally has a double lock and triple screw hinges.(Not always but very often)

However, to be perfectly honest here I dislike that keyhole cover with a passion. That was installed later to embellish the exterior of the case. Some early cases did have brass inserts flush mounted that are diamond shaped etc but this is a much later key cover that is found on children's toy jewelry boxes and silverware cases In my opinion it damages the originality. Some collectors like it. It should look like the posted photos. Very plain and antique looking.

The simple truth is wood cases are often embellished, relined, refinished, repaired, restored in some way, etc. I suppose it depends upon one's opinion.

Murph

 

[BMur]

What gun

Without an empty case photo I would guess a saw handled spur trigger revolver like the S&W photo'd resided in this case.

Murph

 

[DrBay]

Great info. Thanks, guys. Those keyhole covers...Very "antique" looking!

 

[iby]

Hello All:

A week or so ago, I posted a photo of my engraved Model 1 third issue and asked for opinions on who the engraver might be. Many great responses. Thanks!

I have been looking for a presentation case for my Model 1 third. I came across the case in the attached photo and as you can see, it is far too big for my Model 1. Can anyone tell me what pistol this case is for? Is it for a Smith and Wesson? What is the narrow slot at the top back of the case intended for? I was thinking that the case is maybe for a Model 2 Army .32 but that narrow slot has me confused. Can anyone provide opinions on this case, age, manufacturer, correct pistol, ammo box, etc.?

As always, thanks for the expert opinions!

It looks like it could possibly hold a Colt SAA or DA Sheriff's Model

 

[AC Man]

Correct me if I am wrong, but since you aren't going to find an original display case, why not hire someone to build you one to your specs?

 

[DrBay]

Good thought. From a collector's standpoint, I prefer original to make a complete "set." I have waited a long time for a variety of items.

 

[JSR III]

I have a similar case to the OP's case on the outside but different inside. There is no cloth liner on the inside and only several cut outs including one for a firearm. My question to those who work on these cases is how do you get the fabric in the gun cutout shape without it bunching up on the sides? If you place a sheet of fabric over the surface and try to pack it down into the cutouts it bunches up and does not look right.

The only alternative that I can conceive of is to cut out the base shape and glue it in place. Then do the sides of the recess and then glue a third piece to the top surface. Just can't believe that is the way its done and would love to hear from folks that work on these cases to learn your technique.

 

[mmaher94087]

I don't work on these cases, but steam is your friend when shaping fabric.