Restoring And Customising A Briefcase

[my63]

Thanks ScienceChick my recovery has been much slower than anticipated but I am improving now.

 

One of the problems with leather working is the purchase of the leather in order to make a gusset piece I have to buy a whole hide leather is priced by the square foot but sold by the hide.

 

DSC_0272[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I have cut the replacement piece the next step will be to start the dying process.

 

I have also purchased some smaller trigger hooks and "D" rings to fit in the centre section of this case.

 

DSC_0268[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Another of my purchases is this case from a local seller it was made for the chemical company I C I

 

DSC_0262[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0265[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[my63]

This case needs a strap

The starting point is a cut strap 25 mm which I bought from my local supplier.

 

DSC_0276[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

The first step is to use an edge tool to remove all of the corners

 

DSC_0278[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I had cut two pieces from the full length strap to form the fasteners

 

DSC_0290[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

All of the pieces assembled ready for dye

 

DSC_0292[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

First coats of light tan dye applied the leather was still wet it would dry a much lighter colour.

 

DSC_0293[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

In this picture I have started to apply antique stain over the top of the light tan

 

DSC_0298[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[Anne-Sophie]

All of your cases, either new or restored are truly beautiful and classic looking, they are Works of Arts!

 

Thanks for sharing!

[my63]

Thanks Ann-Sophie

 

It has taken some time to work out how to attach the new gusset to the existing dividers I have just written it up fully for my blog but will give an abridged version here.

 

The main problem is matching the existing holes on the dividers to the new gusset which has no holes. Oh and the gusset piece wraps around the divider so you cant see the holes.

 

Here is my solution I transferred the top hole from the divider to the gusset piece, and then used two pairs of dividers one with a point covered in tape to mark the distance from the edge and the second to mark the distance between the holes

 

DSC_0432[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0438[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I will be adding the lining separately to the outer gusset panels and I will make a padded liner for the pocket.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[Anne-Sophie]

One can count on you for finding a solution to the most intricate conundrums.

 

Thank you for sharing your blog link with all your post, very informative and awe inspiring!

[my63]

Thanks Anne-Sophie I am afraid that the problems related to the gusset are of my own making but I think I am getting there now.

 

Here is the trial fit of the front piece to the new gusset there is some excess leather to be trimmed off.

 

DSC_0465[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0463[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

There were many trial fits I did not take pictures of them all as we would have been here for months.

 

The front is now sewn in place and I am happy with it

 

DSC_0477[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Here are the finished strap end pieces ready to be fitted to the strap

 

DSC_0443[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I attached the mounting points while still wet to the gusset piece and now that they have dried the colour is not what I was expecting they are very dark.

 

DSC_0468[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

They have been glued and stitched in place so I am not sure if I can change them now.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[Anne-Sophie]

The dark areas of the gussets make you brand new work look antique.

 

When I first saw the case, I was almost certain that, unique as it was/is, it was destined to the parts area of your workshop. What you have done with that case is nothing short of a miracle.

 

Such talent!

[my63]

Anne-Sophie you are spot on in fact I was just saying to someone that this case should have gone for parts but once I had started it had to be finished.

 

Time to start fitting the rear panel I decided to cut the rear panel before gluing it in place it took me a couple of attempts before I was happy

 

DSC_0486[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I also removed the strap mounts and made replacements as the first pair were too dark

 

DSC_0489[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I am using a linen thread on this case it is a 4 cord thread which I have hand waxed with pure beeswax for saddle stitch there is a needle on each end of the thread. Regular readers will know I prefer to use a single piece of thread where possible in this case it is around 24 feet long.

 

DSC_0491[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[my63]

I have almost finished stitching the rear panel in place in my rests I started to look at the brass hasp that closes the case it requires three brass rivets to secure it in place. I had ordered some replacements unfortunately the rivets were not large enough for this case so I decided to make my own.

This picture shows the new rivets one fitted which had bent in the hole and one unused there is also the brass rod which I used to create the handmade rivets.

 

DSC_0494[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Here are the rivets almost finished

 

DSC_0496[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Three rivets securing the hasp in place as good if not better than new

 

DSC_0505[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Thanks for looking

Michael (my63leather)

[my63]

Everything is back together now and I have trial fitted the strap

 

DSC_0512[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I just need to finish off the edges and find a buyer now

 

DSC_0513[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Here is a sneak peak at my latest purchase

 

DSC_0515[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Yes its another case or "oh no not another case" depending on your point of view

[my63]

I don't dislike finishing edges they just take a lot of time and although I am not a perfectionist honest I am not (well maybe a little).

 

I started by sanding the edges where all of the pieces are sewn together. There was a lot of sanding to do.

After the sanding I finished the edges with leather edge kote which is available in many colours including brown which is what used here.

Unfortunately I did not like the end result it looked too new if that makes sense. Which meant even more sanding to remove the edge kote that I had applied. On a positive note the edges were slightly darker after the edge kote was sanded and I have achieved a satisfactory result by sealing them with beeswax

 

DSC_0528[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

After a few more hours the edges will be finished and it will be time to post it on the classifieds.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[my63]

Here are the final pictures of the finished case

 

DSC_0541[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0537[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0535[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I spent longer on the edges than I had planned they are never going to be perfect as the case is already 50 years or older as it has been stripped cleaned and lined in cognac suede. After being hand sewn back together with Barbour brown linen thread and is now ready for another 50 years.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[Anne-Sophie]

Michael, I think you were right to follow up on the restoration, as I think, this case is much too unique to have become parts.

 

You did a tremendous job, as usual, I believe that case was a great challenge, even for somebody with such knowledge in leather case/items repair/redesign and construction.

 

Your handmade rivets are one more innovation that truly make you a, one of a kind, craftsman.

[my63]

Thanks Anne-Sophie your comments are always appreciated.

I am still very much a novice at leatherwork but I can see improvements in my work. It may have been better to either replace the gusset or make the pocket but not both.

 

I had hoped to have sold this case by now but I forgot about the padded liner for the pocket so once that is finished it will be in the classifieds.

 

The next briefcase will be the I C I chemicals case I picked up a few weeks ago it is a Mrs straightforward project.

 

Thanks again

 

Michael

[my63]

Here are the final pictures of the finished case

 

DSC_0541[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0537[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0535[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I spent longer on the edges than I had planned they are never going to be perfect as the case is already 50 years or older as it has been stripped cleaned and lined in cognac suede. After being hand sewn back together with Barbour brown linen thread and is now ready for another 50 years.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

 

I am very pleased and proud to say that this case is now finished and has been listed in the classifieds section here on FPN.

 

Thanks to everyone for their support

 

Michael

[bayport714]

You mentioned soaking in lemon juice and water. Did that work in taking out the water stains?

[my63]

You mentioned soaking in lemon juice and water. Did that work in taking out the water stains?

The lemon Juice cleaned the case nicely but did not shift the watermarks I think they add character to the case.

[my63]

Sometime ago I bought a document style case from an auction site the inside is embossed with the ICI ltd logo it was in good condition although the stitching was in need of replacementand pressure would cause it to snap.

 

DSC_0026[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0262[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

This is a good quality case and very well made things that show high quality are the inverted "V" on the securing straps and the hand made handle where multiple layers of leather are used to form the handle.

 

DSC_0025[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Having removed all of the old stitching I started to clean everything inside and out with warm water and saddle soap

 

DSC_0027[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I have dealt with handles like this once before and there are multiple layers often between 7 and 10 not wanting the whole thing to fall apart I unpicked one stitch at a time and replaced it with red 0.8mm Tigre thread this is a braided polyester thread.

 

DSC_0030[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0033[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

DSC_0035[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

These handles have a lovely curve and are very comfortable in use.

 

So the handle is now complete I just need to sort out the rest of the case now.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[my63]

Over the last few days I have made a little progress on the rest of this case.

All of the inside surfaces have been lined in red suede my pictures dont do this suede justice it is bright red.

The back panel and front section were first after attaching the handle and the metal bar that acts as its support.

 

DSC_0043[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

It turns out I had forgotten to remove the hasp piece from the front flap

 

DSC_0044[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

After I had removed the hasp I was able to stitch around the front edge and re attach the buckle straps

 

DSC_0046[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I also added some detail stitching to the top of the front panel as well as the dividers it serves no function other than it looks good.

 

DSC_0056[2] by my0771, on Flickr

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[my63]

I have not had much time for briefcases lately in fact the ICI case is still in pieces.

 

I have however still been keeping an eye out for the special cases that appear from time to time. I spotted this one on an auction site I knew what it was as soon as I saw it. The seller did not know what they had and I did not feel comfortable bidding on it so I sent a message and the seller renamed the listing.

As it happens no one else bid so I won This is how it arrived

 

20170421_164535[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

The outside has a few dings and the brass is tarnished

 

20170421_164401[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

But the inside is very clean

 

20170421_164423[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

20170421_164443[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

After an hour or so

 

20170421_191654[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

After 5 hours the brass looks like this

 

20170422_083208[1] by my0771, on Flickr

 

I have applied some conditioner to the outer leather and will start the inside soon.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael