Gun case - antique suitcase style

[dhcustomwork]

Since I purchased my first single action revolver I had the idea of turning a late 1800s suitcase into a gun case. Given that the cowboy era was what they reminded me of; and the fact that I can't walk around sporting a double holster rig, I wanted a case that looked the part. The problem I ran into was finding a suitcase in a condition that was good enough to actually use that didn't cost more than both my single actions combined. I used to see these things at sales and antique shops for next to nothing; at least until I wanted one. So it seemed to me that I had one option .... Make one from scratch.

The case is 17"x12"x6" od and 16"x11"x5" id approximately. I used all heavy veggie tanned tooling hide in 6-8 oz. It has a cardboard base form which the leather was wrapped and attached. It was all hand stitched as well. I made the handle by wrapping a 1/4" aluminum rod that I bent to shape.

I definitely learned a ton with this project. I would rearrange a few steps in the process next time around to quicken it up and save some headaches along the way. I would have definitely built a seperate interior form and lined that then installed it before putting in any rivets. All in all I'm super happy with it. Now to get it oiled up or waterproofed. Not 100% sure what I'm going to treat it with yet.

 

[bainter1212]

That, sir, is excellent. I admire your handiwork. I have long wanted to make a case for my pocket pistols out of a nice big vintage cigar box, but I haven't found the right box yet. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Very nice. In the course of aging the leather I'd also try a Birchwood-Casey treatment on the metal bits to age them down some.

That thing's gonna be beautiful after a few years of glomming it with gun oil soaked mitts.

 

[rcmodel]

Dang!!
Now that right there is what I call Impressive Leather Work!!

As for oil and treatment?

Pure Vegatable oil, and Fiebings Leather Sheen!

Just like an old custom hand-tooled saddle would have been!

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=406341&highlight=vegetable+oil

rc

 

[MR2Aaron]

It needs a different lining to match the look of the outside. I'm thinking some kind of velvet, maybe placed over Pelican pick and pluck foam.

The outside is pretty cool looking, though.

 

[jogar80]

That is amazing!

I'd use some neatsfoot oil on that to give a dark brown, aged look. I use that on all my saddles and have always loved the results. Of course, thats just me, not everyone likes dark leather

 

[jogar80]

It needs a different lining to match the look of the outside. I'm thinking some kind of velvet.....

That would really set it off... Green or burgundy velvet interior would look nice

 

[Double_J]

Tandy leather Gel Antique brown, with super sheen top coat. Very nice work, it is always nice seeing someone trying something new and doing well at it.

 

[mrhill]

Great job. You have something that you can take pride in. Can't wait to see it finished.

 

[dhcustomwork]

Thanks everyone. Appreciate it very much.

Think I may run with the veg. oil and then wax topcoat. Have to agree on the felt interior being a better visual fit for the style. Only issue with doing that is the lack of real protection for the weapons during regular carrying or transport. My next case will have a base lining of either felt or suede; then insert the removable foam. I actually have a lower level of pick & pluck foam in there, but I just didn't like how it looks with revolvers in it.

Think I may offer these as a custom order item. Let the cust decide what's inside and the final finish too.

 

[psyopspec]

Thanks for sharing this with us. You might have the most enjoyable thread on the forum right now.

 

[mhenry]

Cool

 

[Old Shooter]

Nice Job!


I agree an interior to match the style of the exterior would be a nice touch....but still a Nice Job!