Making A Pen Case

[my63]

Here are the final pictures of the stacking pen trays I have made for @stjohnspens.

 

2020-02-13_12-01-46 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-02-13_12-00-45 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Back to normal pen cases after something a little different.

 

A friend collects watches and I thought you might find this interesting. I was presented with this a collection of pieces held together with an elastic band.

 

2020-02-01_10-13-35 by my0771, on Flickr

 

A third of the lower back panel around the hinge was missing altogether the paper hinges were all torn and it was in a generally poor state.

 

After a few hours of work I turned it into this.. the full write up is on my blog MY63leather@wordpress.com

 

2020-02-02_09-03-41 by my0771, on Flickr

[my63]

After playing with trays and boxes it is time to return to pen cases this comission is for two matching cases for Emperor size pens one single and one three pen case.

Unfortunately I lost some pictures of the formed Kydex inserts for this project so we start with the formed inserts wrapped in their suede lining.

 

2020-02-16_06-09-51 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-02-16_06-10-08 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The next step was to form the outer covers wet veg tanned leather and an MDF form.

 

2020-02-20_04-11-47 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-02-20_04-13-03 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After forming it was time for the dye.

 

2020-02-20_04-13-20 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After assembly with glue it was just a case of stitching them together like this.

 

2020-02-20_04-14-59 by my0771, on Flickr

[Anne-Sophie]

The Sam Browne case is sensational!

 

The next project gave you some problem, but the notebook cover/pen case pair going to the customer is beautiful, as it always is.

 

The ostrich case is a masterpiece!

 

The St John trays are a great invention for moving a collection around, with style. I bet you will get more requests for similar ones.

 

Did you ultimately decided to dye the top lid, not lacquer it?

 

 

The pen cases are gorgeous, as always.

Edited February 22, 2020 by Anne-Sophie

[my63]

Thanks Anne-Sophie as always I appreciate your comments.

The paint on the lids needed to be applied in temperature above 5 degrees C and as soon as I started spraying it dropped to zero degrees which affected the finish. So to rectify it I used some veneer I had to cover the lids which I then stained and waxed.

The pen trays for St Johns pens were a trial run I wish I had only made one set as all of my mistakes were doubled by making two on the first run.

As a dealer had a whole tray of pens stolen at a recent show I plan on adding some security features to the next sets.

[Anne-Sophie]

Thanks Anne-Sophie as always I appreciate your comments.

The paint on the lids needed to be applied in temperature above 5 degrees C and as soon as I started spraying it dropped to zero degrees which affected the finish. So to rectify it I used some veneer I had to cover the lids which I then stained and waxed.

The pen trays for St Johns pens were a trial run I wish I had only made one set as all of my mistakes were doubled by making two on the first run.

As a dealer had a whole tray of pens stolen at a recent show I plan on adding some security features to the next sets.

I don't see any of your mistakes, everything you make is beautiful!

 

 

One way to secure a pen tray, would be to affix strap holders (the same you use on your briefcases) on the front and back of the case, to strap the case, underneath the pen show table, you could then, make "belts" for the cases, which could have locks and be removed to transport the cases during travel.

 

 

 

The leather belts could be an upgrade, some could use paracords, knotted to the strap holders, in the same manner.

 

I was first thinking of using elastics, but if somebody manages to hold the case up from the table, the bouncing could damage the pens.

[my63]

Thanks Anne-Sophie I appreciate your ideas, I did make a few mistakes on these trays but I guess that is what prototypes are for.

I have a number of possible ideas my current favourite is to thread a stainless steel wire throught the trays joining them together the wires can then be fixed to the table using a simple clamp.

 

Here are the final pictures from the pair of Emperor pen cases.

 

2020-02-29_07-25-12 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I am trying to catch up since dislocating my thumb at the end of last year, anyway I have started two cases one for an Emperor and the other for an ASC fountain pen they are for different owners but have the same black outer covers so making them together made sense.

 

These are the inner Kydex liners for the two cases

 

2020-02-27_07-24-35 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The liners are wrapped in suede to help protect the pens from the Kydex.

 

2020-02-27_07-25-21 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After wrapping the liners I started to form the outer covers.

 

2020-02-27_07-25-39 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-02-27_07-25-54 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After forming the covers it was time to apply some black dye.

 

2020-02-27_07-26-24 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-02-27_07-26-15 by my0771, on Flickr

[my63]

Here is the second case after the dye was applied.

 

2020-02-27_07-26-24 by my0771, on Flickr

 

As each case is individually made for each pen the round case needs to have the bottom half finished before I can shape the top

 

2020-03-04_07-06-05 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Meanwhile the flat backed pen case is assembled ready for holes to be punched ready for stitching.

 

2020-03-04_07-07-56 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I had carefully cut the strap from the side of the case and as usual I assumed I could do it by eye ! ha ha serves me right what a mess.

 

So I started again this time I made a jig to hold the strap and stamped it properly.

 

2020-03-04_07-06-56 by my0771, on Flickr

 

No messing around now I dyed the strap and stitched up the case.

 

2020-03-04_07-05-48 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The round case is not quite as advanced but it has a lot more steps involved in making it, It is however stitched together and ready for final trimming of the top.

Edited March 4, 2020 by my63

[my63]

Here is the finished picture of the flat backed pen case for a Namiki Emperor fountain pen it is designed to offer a high level of protection.

 

2020-03-05_06-11-40 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The round case needs a toggle / pen rest to help it to stay closed so I made one from Indian Ebony which turned out very dark, So I made a second one from Bocote which is stripey,

 

2020-03-05_06-11-59 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Midnight blue suede black leather and black stitching Bocote toggle / pen rest and gold end caps on the thong this is going to be the new home for an ASC fountain pen.

 

Next !

[my63]

Sorry I forgot to add the picture of the finished case oops!

 

2020-03-05_06-12-14 by my0771, on Flickr

[my63]

My next project is a matching pair of cases which ideally would have been a two pen case but as the pens are different sizes two single cases were the best option.

I dont have a picture of the Kydex tubes before they were wrapped in suede.

 

2020-03-07_11-29-03 by my0771, on Flickr

 

As you can see the two tubes are very different, The one on the left is my new low profile Emperor mould this is its first use The clip lies horizontally. The right hand one is for a Danitrio Junikaku which is a large diameter pen with no clip.

 

Outer covers next.

Edited March 7, 2020 by my63

[my63]

I often get approached to make one off custom cases either for special pens or specific requirements. At the end of last year I was asked to make a light weight case for an Emperor size pen, The other requirements were to have no hard Kydex liner and to be made from leather inside and out.

 

2020-03-11_11-10-03 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This is what I came up with, a single case weighing 50g it is made from fine soft Kip leather inside and out it will offer the same protection as any other pen case.

[N1003U]

Very nice looking cases.

[my63]

Very nice looking cases.

 

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

 

I have made some progress on the pair of cases. Straps have been stamped and while they were drying I have started stitching the cases together.

 

2020-03-11_09-37-46 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-03-11_09-33-48 by my0771, on Flickr

 

While browsing my favourite auction site I found one of these which I will restore and re sell.

 

2020-03-11_09-34-01 by my0771, on Flickr

[my63]

Stitching is now finished I have started trimming the cases to their final size. There are still a number of steps before they are ready to go.

 

2020-03-13_11-09-40 by my0771, on Flickr

[my63]

Another project finished and ready for shipping.

 

2020-03-15_06-48-36 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Dark chocolate leather with emerald green interior the edges are now finished they have been hand sanded dyed and sealed with bees wax. One case is for a Namiki Emperor and the other is for a Danitrio Junikaku.

[N1003U]

Very nice cases for a couple of very nice pens. I am impressed with the handiwork.

[Anne-Sophie]

The burgundy emperor cases are gorgeous and the others, try to compete for the title of which one is the classiest.

 

Your idea about securing the pen boxes/trays is genius:

"I have a number of possible ideas my current favourite is to thread a stainless steel wire throught the trays joining them together the wires can then be fixed to the table using a simple clamp."

 

I am looking forward to the briefcase restoration, on your blog.

[my63]

Thanks N1003U and Anne-Sophie I appreciate your comments.

The briefcase restoration is not yet on my blog I will get round to it soon here is a sneak peak to keep you going.

 

These cases have been made for many years in the same design in fact you can still buy them from the original makers Papworth travel goods, They are now part of Swaine Adeney Brigg a London maker. Please make sure you are sitting down when you visit their site as the prices are mind blowing. My restored cases are about 15 % of the cost of a new one.

My estimate for the age is 60's or 70's although the thread along the top and bottom was perished the thread on the sides was still quite good.

 

This is the inside cover for the metal bar which secures the handle as you can see the stitches are intact on this side the other side of the stitches is on the outside of the case and it is that side that has perished. This whole panel simply pulled off.

 

2020-03-19_08-06-20 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This is the entire case laid out in all of its components ready for cleaning I don't clean the outside of the case I will apply some conditioner to feed the leather. The inside needs to be cleaned ready to have the suede lining glued in place.

 

I usually allow the owner to choose the colour for the inside suede and stitching but at this time there is no owner so I may have to make that decision myself unless anyone has any ideas.

[Anne-Sophie]

Thanks N1003U and Anne-Sophie I appreciate your comments.

The briefcase restoration is not yet on my blog I will get round to it soon here is a sneak peak to keep you going.

 

These cases have been made for many years in the same design in fact you can still buy them from the original makers Papworth travel goods, They are now part of Swaine Adeney Brigg a London maker. Please make sure you are sitting down when you visit their site as the prices are mind blowing. My restored cases are about 15 % of the cost of a new one.

My estimate for the age is 60's or 70's although the thread along the top and bottom was perished the thread on the sides was still quite good.

 

This is the inside cover for the metal bar which secures the handle as you can see the stitches are intact on this side the other side of the stitches is on the outside of the case and it is that side that has perished. This whole panel simply pulled off.

 

2020-03-19_08-06-20 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This is the entire case laid out in all of its components ready for cleaning I don't clean the outside of the case I will apply some conditioner to feed the leather. The inside needs to be cleaned ready to have the suede lining glued in place.

 

I usually allow the owner to choose the colour for the inside suede and stitching but at this time there is no owner so I may have to make that decision myself unless anyone has any ideas.

 

Can you condition the outer leather before making a suede color decision, on your previous restoration, I found that the conditioned leather shows a dominant shade that makes it easier to choose between a cream, latte or milk chocolate liner, even a light terracotta if the leather has red undertones.

 

In any case, one has to see inside a briefcase and that preclude a darker shade lining, unless someone fancy it and chimes in soon.

[my63]

Hi Anne-Sophie I guess I can apply the conditioner at any stage, it can darken the leather a little so it might be a good idea. It appears I may have forgotten to add the picture of the stripped down case.

 

2020-03-20_07-12-50 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I think these are the two other cases that you have mentioned the first is lined in cognac suede and has a shoulder strap.

 

DSC_0541[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0538[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

The second was originally made for ICI the chemical company I have lined it in red suede

 

20170531_185445[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

20170531_185532[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

These are high quality cases made in England in the 60's or 70's I am pretty sure I know which company made the ICI case as they have a trademark inverted "V" stitching on the straps.

 

I have made half hearted efforts to sell both cases in the past they have sat with my collection of writing slopes and other stuff I have, When I say collection I mean in the loosest sense as is has no organisation what so ever. I just have a load of stuff I have found interesting over the years leather goods, boxes, writing slopes and of course pens.