Finding high quality pistol and revolver cases that look the part and don't cost an arm and a leg is tough. They really should have mortised in locks and hinges and the correct period details. There is one person I know of that sells period Colt style cases but they start around $200 and go up (and worth every penny I have a few of them) but I was looking for a less expensive alternative that still looked right. I have a pair of Cimarron Uberti Leech & Rigdons needing a case and as these never came from the factory with ones I didn't need to copy any particular one exactly.
Did a search on the online auction placed for "oak cutlery canteen" and found a good half dozen sized for either one or two guns. A cutlery canteen is a wooden box, typically made from oak or mahogany, for storing flatware. Most you see for sale were made in England from 1840 to 1940 but it doesn't look like they changed design, materials, or techniques for the whole period. You don't see many in the US but they are fairly common In England. You need to rip the old lining out and replace with one to fit your guns but that's a lot easier than building a case especially if you don't have the tools
Shipping can be pricey from U.K. To US but if you deal a little it's still doable. I bought three oak cases, all big enough for a pair of guns each, with period locks and hardware, keys, brass name plates inlaid in the lid, last week for $190 delivered for the three so a little over $60 each and they honestly look as good or better than the $200 + case that's in my cabinet. Still need to be lined but I can do that part
Did a search on the online auction placed for "oak cutlery canteen" and found a good half dozen sized for either one or two guns. A cutlery canteen is a wooden box, typically made from oak or mahogany, for storing flatware. Most you see for sale were made in England from 1840 to 1940 but it doesn't look like they changed design, materials, or techniques for the whole period. You don't see many in the US but they are fairly common In England. You need to rip the old lining out and replace with one to fit your guns but that's a lot easier than building a case especially if you don't have the tools
Shipping can be pricey from U.K. To US but if you deal a little it's still doable. I bought three oak cases, all big enough for a pair of guns each, with period locks and hardware, keys, brass name plates inlaid in the lid, last week for $190 delivered for the three so a little over $60 each and they honestly look as good or better than the $200 + case that's in my cabinet. Still need to be lined but I can do that part
