Got Zouaves?
- Thread starter dave951
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AlexanderA
Member
Looks great! But I'll tell you, the original crates were much more crudely made than that. They didn't lavish craftsmanship on such a mundane item.
Since I am a "retired" master carpenter and do some wood working, by my standards, it's pretty darn crude. This makes toting the muskets back and forth to the range much easier and the kids get a kick out of seeing a "period" shipping crate.
hawg
Member
Since the only place they were shipped to was Watervliet Arsenal that would be appropriate. I couldn't find a pic of a rifle crate but something along the lines of this.
I have this. It isn't partitioned for bayonets. I use it for an ammo box.
I have this. It isn't partitioned for bayonets. I use it for an ammo box.
hawg
Member
You can get stencils but they're expensive for a one time use.
I've found a stencil font that is close to the originals. I'm using that font to make "words" for a set of stencils. Hobby Lobby has material for making stencils on a Cricut but since I don't have one, the tried and true Xacto is going to get another workout.
forward observer
Member
You may have already thought of this but in case, while you're at HobbyLobby get a cheap pre-cut square of green felt. They may even have the kind with a peel & stick backing used to apply to the bottom of decorative items to protect desktop but that might be more than you want to spend. Anyway, cut some narrow strips as liners for your stock slots to protect the musket stocks from excessive wear to the finish. Any craft glue will work to hold them in place.
Cheers
Cheers
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Already have a supply of that stuff. I use it when making other cases like this one for a Whitworth-
Shanghai McCoy
Member
That's a great looking case that you made Sir. 
I just hope you have some sturdy Boy Scouts to carry it for you.
I just hope you have some sturdy Boy Scouts to carry it for you.
AlexanderA
Member
I would agree, but with one caution. You don't want the felt strips to be in contact with the guns' metal, particularly if they're stored that way for a long time. I used to have felt strips lining my racks. Then I noticed that the barrels were starting to rust, where they were in contact with the felt strips. The felt retains moisture, even in a dry environment! I've had no more rust after ripping out the felt. It's OK for contact with wood, but not with metal.
Acorn Mush
Member
Very nice work sir, and kudos for your dedication to educating the Scouts.
hawg
Member
That's a great looking case that you made Sir.
I just hope you have some sturdy Boy Scouts to carry it for you.
Yeah, those short rope handles are going to hurt.
I promise I won't feel a thing cuz I'm not carrying it from the truck to the firing line.
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