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NitroX
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Reged: 25/12/02
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Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

To case or not to case?
#14575 - 10/05/04 12:21 AM

When buying a double rifle maybe at one time it was traditional to get a fine leather and oak case with partitions to hold the rifle stock, its detached barrels, a cleaning rod, custom tools, oil bottles, a sling, maybe a scope and a box or two of Kynoch ammo.

Nowadays when you buy an old piece of "junk" (read vintage double rifle of impeccable pedigree, history and shooting ability

) you rarely get a case with it. The owner tries to sell it separately for an unheard of price (even if he got it as a set when purchasing), some previous person has lost it, sold it separately or stacked them up in his spare bedroom.

The contents are gone, lost, stolen or borrowed to make up another set for another gun.

Of course when buying a modern double made of modern steel and made with computer calibrated machines not "junky" handmade, one may take the option of the plastic (ie fibreglass) or tin crate that another assembly line factory churns out. Probably a fitting home for it too

.

Seriously

is it worth casing a vintage rifle? Buying a modern case made to classic standards and materials? Is it worth it, especially considering will anyone actually USE the case when travelling seriously? Do they add to the accumulated re-sale value or investment value?

Welcome comments.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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mickey
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Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: NitroX]
#14585 - 10/05/04 03:59 AM

Nitro

I think that having a fitted vintage case is really a nice addition to go with a vintage rifle. The cost of a new one, at least over here, is quite high though. I have bought almost every old case I have found over the years. I will buy almost anything that has a decent exterior and is sound. Assuming that the price is reasonable.

Most of the used cases I have gotten were trashed inside, at least to the point of having to be completely redone. You can spend a few enjoyable winter nights fitting your gun to them and it is not a difficult task.

There are a couple of case makers in Aus that do nice work and I see your buddy from Century Arms has a couple of gutted cases for sale at a resonable price.

I doubt if anybody would actually ship their rifle in one for a trip.

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.

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475Guy
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Reged: 22/08/03
Posts: 1088
Loc: Kali, US

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: NitroX]
#14587 - 10/05/04 06:17 AM

Nitro, I believe that the value of any piece increases somewhat with all the accoutrements with it. This seems especially so when dealing with English doubles regardless of vintage or caliber. In fact, I was told that the not so common calibers may be worth more in the long run simply they are not common. Personally, it is worth whatever I'm willing to pay at that moment. One other benefit with having a fitted case with all the necessary stuff in it is that it makes for a great presentation while on display.

--------------------
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them in the Halls of Valhalla,
Where the brave may live forever.

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zimhunter
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Reged: 05/02/04
Posts: 388
Loc: Southern Arizona

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: NitroX]
#14590 - 10/05/04 07:44 AM

Buy a new Merkel and get a very nice leather case with it.

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Raff
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Reged: 12/01/04
Posts: 182
Loc: Texas

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: NitroX]
#14597 - 10/05/04 09:43 AM

Nitro
Mickey's right, vintage rifles deserve a vintage
case. I also pick up every leather or oak/leather case
I run across and fit them to my guns. A cased DR seems
to sell for much more than just the added cost of the
case over an uncased rifle. Finding the correct case can
be a challenge but always worth the effort in my book.
I use mine to carry guns to the range or on driving
hunting trips but give one to an airline baggage
handler? No way.
Besides, old rifle in an old case...it just looks right.
Glen

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Rusty
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Reged: 08/02/03
Posts: 464
Loc: Missouri City, Texas

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: NitroX]
#14611 - 10/05/04 11:18 PM

Oak and Leather look real good in your trophy/gun room while you are showing off your double rifle! It looks good when you uncase it at the range to the AAAHS of your buddies.

My next question is would you put that same Oak and Leather in the hands of a baggage handlers somwhere in an airport or the hole of plane? Hell No, you wouldn't!

I like Oak and Leather, they are very pretty. My double rifle resides in an Americase. It doesn't go anywhere without it's Americase!

If you are going to buya showcase case for your double, might as well buy a travel case at the same time! Just my opine!

--------------------
Rusty
We band of brothers!
DRSS

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NitroX
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Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 40452
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: Rusty]
#14640 - 11/05/04 02:31 PM

I've actually got a leather and oak case already for my Jeffrey. Only problem is it cost $50 and looks like it too. It is some quite aweful new manufacture.

I think if I buy a 'vintage' case for the Jeffrey it will need to look the part. Not fabulous but classic. The Jeffrey is a plain double and looks to me like a working double. Something to match that rather than lots of polished brass and sumptuous leather.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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Phil_in_the_UK
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Reged: 30/04/03
Posts: 60
Loc: United Kingdom

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: NitroX]
#14671 - 12/05/04 05:26 AM

I have to agree with Rusty and 2triggers, there is no way I would trust my rifle in transit overseas in anything but the toughest, most durable aluminium/foam/armoured case I can find. I watched these gentlemen bounce my rifle off the top of a carriage on the tarmac at Windhoek, heart missed a beat and I figured I was using the guide’s rifle for the week. Judging by the state of the case, this wasn’t the first time it had been “bumped” on this trip. The rifle survived, the case did not.

As for an oak and leather case for the Hollis, I’m looking for something to restore right now. Not for future resale values, just for the aesthetic pleasure of showing her off as she should be. I intend visiting all the game fairs this summer, looking for all those bargains, old tools and essential oil bottles and whatnots. One thing I have never seen at the fairs are trade labels. Does anyone know where a trade label for A Hollis can be got?

Regards

Phil

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470Rigby
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Reged: 23/02/04
Posts: 328
Loc: Melbourne, Australia

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: Phil_in_the_UK]
#14676 - 12/05/04 10:51 AM

Phil

You could try Galazans website for Trade Labels. Unfortunately it was down when I checked, so can't report on whether they have A. Hollis labels.

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DUGABOY1
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Reged: 02/02/03
Posts: 1340
Loc: TEXAS USA

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: 470Rigby]
#14695 - 13/05/04 04:10 AM

Try http://www.gunshop.com/galazan.htm

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NitroX
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Re: To case or not to case? [Re: DUGABOY1]
#14722 - 14/05/04 12:43 AM

A couple cases from Galazan

Now this one while not "classic" might actually be useful when slipped into the bottom compartment of my wheeled duffel.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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atkinson6
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Reged: 26/01/04
Posts: 678
Loc: Idaho

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: NitroX]
#14736 - 14/05/04 04:54 AM

I have owned some of the lower grade doubles in 450-400 and I love them all, but I never felt the need for a leather case...I use my guns to hunt and the Boyt canvas and Leather trim take down cases fit in my Tuff case....

Although Butch gave me a nice leather case with my double, I still take the canvas padded case when I go hunt in Africa.....

Leather cases are only for show IMO....they are nice.

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NitroX
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Re: To case or not to case? [Re: atkinson6]
#14749 - 14/05/04 07:47 AM

Ray

You have bought and sold a few doubles over time. Do you think they add to a double rifle's value?

eg if we say one costs $1000, does it add more than $1G to the price if re-sold?

Thanks.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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mickey
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Reged: 05/01/03
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Re: To case or not to case? [Re: NitroX]
#14750 - 14/05/04 08:01 AM

You should never have to pay a $1000 for a case. Unless you have a really expensive sidelock. 10% of the cost of the rifle is a bit much IMO.

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.

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atkinson6
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Loc: Idaho

Re: To case or not to case? [Re: mickey]
#14907 - 18/05/04 03:48 AM

I have no doubt that a case adds to the value of a double rifle, but not $1000 worth...I usually bought a used case from a gunshow for $150 to $350 for a show gun..Mostly they display the gun better, but how much I am not sure. Probably depends on the buyer and definatly depends on the quality of the gun..It would make a big difference in a Holland and Holland Royal I would think, but not much in a phelibian grade Army Navy or Jefferys 450-400. Did I spell that right?

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