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Hey Silverfox and all, :hatsoff:

I'm kind of like some of the others. You got some good variations of boxes. Don't give up - just adjust. Like one of those Clint Eastwood things - "Adapt and Overcome".
I've been thinking about some boxes too (you get laid off and all sorts of ideas start popping).
I think I'm going to try some Western Red Cedar planed down in thickness for light weight. I did one in pine and planed it down to about 3/8 inch thick last year for my local rondyvoo plunder box, and used some of those cast/cut style nails on the outside. The problem I had was hinges and hasp to do semi period correct. I ship-lapped the joints and sealed it good.
I think its like my camp kitchen - it will work until I get the next one built - then its on the blanket. The real one at rondyvoo or the electronic one at eBay.

Good Luck, :thumbsup:
grumpy bear
 
Thanks, I'm going to try to make some wooden hinges on the next one. I'll let you know how it works out. Regarding period hinges, have you tried looking up some of the major hardware suppliers on the net; some of them do have "old time" hardware.
 
Didn't they use to use leather for hinges? Thats what I've been using on my boxes and chests. Works fine just don't go too thick.
I made a leather hasp on one of the small boxes I made a coupla months ago. Cut a slot in the flop over the top part and fashioned a little piece to go through it mounted on the front. A piece of leather strap to tie it up and yer done. An antler tip would be cool too.
 
Yes. I have seen leather hinges on some antique boxes but I'm not sure about the time period in which they were used. Perhaps an antique dealer could help you with that info.
 
Silver Fox: Just for fun, don't forget that most good hardware stores and tack shops still carry square horseshoe nails. Also, it's not terribly authentic, but I have thrown a couple of new plated hinges in my charcoal forge and burned off the plating, leaving them nicely fire blued. Do this with good ventilation though as the zinc fumes aren't healthy.
 
Here are pics of my shooting box:

PICT0118.jpg


PICT0120.jpg


PICT0162.jpg


The idea is that it can be set on a table and will secure 2 rifles, will hold 5 .50 balls in a trough or a patch knife, a short starter and range rod all on the front flap. The lip underneath keeps the box from being pushed back by the weight of the rifles. The height permits one pound cans to be kept inside.

I never bothered to attach handles, but I should.

I hope that this helps.

CS
 
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