Old carry case restoration

[CraigTbone]

My father passed away on Christmas day. He was 94. One of his great loves was playing his trumpets and cornets.

I have his 1940 King Long Model Cornet. He did not maintain his instruments very well so it will go in to the shop for a thorough cleaning.

The case is in very bad condition. I would like very much to have this case restored. About the only part that would not be replaced is the wood frame and maybe the hinges.

The outside was painted a dull grey, on top of the alligator covering (leather? fabric?)and leather corner. All of that needs to be replaced.

The original latches have been replaced with hardware store latches. The inside padding and fur smells and is dirty and needs to be pulled out and replaced.

Does anyone know of a source for that sort of major restoration work?

[elmsandr]

Look for luggage restoration places near you. There's often one or two in large cities, so try something in Philadelphia. You'll probably have to talk them in to the idea and walk them through some processes, but they will have the majority in their house.

Unfortunately, most of us have to end up doing this work ourselves,
Andy

[Doubler]

If you have the ability, DIY is the way to go. Otherwise, finding a reputable luggage repair shop will be quite a challenge. Expect to pay an eye-popping and wallet-draining amount of $$$$. I'd be patient and look for a case on eBay. Sometimes you have to buy a horn that comes with the case you're looking for and then resell the horn. You could put the sacrifice horn in the old case for shipping purposes.

[Posaunus]

... finding a reputable luggage repair shop will be quite a challenge. Expect to pay an eye-popping and wallet-draining amount of $$$$. I'd be patient and look for a case on eBay. Sometimes you have to buy a horn that comes with the case you're looking for and then resell the horn. You could put the sacrifice horn in the old case for shipping purposes.

[CraigTbone]

Buying a horn for the case might work if I can find one with a good case.

What are the best places to look for a 1940ish cornet?

[BGuttman]

Buying a horn for the case might work if I can find one with a good case.

What are the best places to look for a 1940ish cornet?

Obviously Ebay and Craig's List. Also Trumpet Herald.

I'd recommend against brick and mortar stores for instruments with cases, but some may have empty cases hidden away in an old storage area.

[spencercarran]

Is there a particular reason you want to keep the original case? It's not so difficult or expensive to find a new case or gig bag. I think almost all the instruments I've owned (mostly older than myself) needed to have the original case junked.

[CraigTbone]

I would like my dad's case fixed up just for sentimental reasons. A good original case just like it would be ok.

[Doubler]

Buying a horn for the case might work if I can find one with a good case.

What are the best places to look for a 1940ish cornet?

Keep an eye on https://www.shopgoodwill.com/ , too.

[Mamaposaune]

Craig, can you post pictures of the case, inside and out?

[CraigTbone]

I will attempt to do so tonight.

[CraigTbone]

Here are some photos of the case.

[CalgaryTbone]

A luggage repair place could easily fix that. The case looks to be structurally sound, so all they would need to do is fix the outside material (vinyl?) and the leather trim. If desired, you could also get them to replace the material on the inside. I don't think it would be expensive. Tell them it was your Dad's instrument, and see if they can match the finishes as closely as possible.

I am getting a bass trombone fixed up that belongs to the University where I'm on faculty. I sent the horn for some work with Ron Partch in Toronto, and found a local place (Shoe & luggage repair) to fix up the case. It was in much worse shape than what you have here. The quote was reasonable for the case - business is slow for those kinds of shops these days.

Jim Scott

[Mamaposaune]

It doesn't look that bad. Can the paint be removed, maybe with a soft brush and spray cleaner? If it doesn't have to be taken down to bare wood and recovered, the rest would be relatively easy. The latches and handle look pretty good.
As far as the lining, you may want to attempt it yourself. It would just require taking it apart (probably held together with screws on the outside of the case) removing the old fabric, recovering the existing wood pieces, and reassembling.
I've done this, it is time consuming, but worth it in the end. If you choose to go this route, I can share some tips.

[CraigTbone]

I have been trying to learn about my father's Long Model Cornet (that belongs in this case) on the web site "hnwhite.com". There are a number of catalogs in the archives. The description seems to indicate that the entire catalog is viewable. But I am not able to open any catalogs.

Do any of you folk know anything about the web site and how to view the catalogs?

[Kingfan]

I commend you on keeping the original case in honor of your father. Is this the page you are looking for?

http://www.hnwhite.com/Cornet%20Page.htm

[CraigTbone]

Yes, I found that. I am wondering if the full catalogs are available to view. Or maybe that is all that is available.

In the Collections section are photos of a silver Long Bell 1069 and it says it was limited production. I suppose that means the silver bell was limited, not the brass bell version?

I sent an email the White folks last week but have not received any reply.

[CharlieB]

If all you want is a case to protect the cornet, you can buy a brand new one for $50 plus shipping from Dillon Music in New Jersey. (Good people.)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Generic-Wood-S ... SwmoNfQDYq

If you want to restore the old case in homage to your father, that will cost considerably more.

[Doubler]

Here are some photos of the case.

I've restored a couple of similar cases and worse. All it takes is time, skill, time, patience, time, inventiveness, time, patience, and the attitude that this is a labor of love, not profit. I think you've got the "labor of love" part locked in, for sure. Worst scenario would be replacing the stitched edges; they can be repaired, believe it or not. Did I mention time and patience?