Lyon & Healy Model A case information

When I recently acquired a Vintage Collings made A-style case I was astounded at its quality, design, and functionality - so much so that it stimulated an interest in putting my original L&H Model A case into daily service rather than the heavy, bulkier custom Calton which is made for traveling. I wanted to "rejuvenate" it and was quite lucky to find Steve Kirtley's Vintage Musical Instrument Case Facebook group as well as his website: http://www.stevekirtley.org/vintagecases.htm. I am quite grateful to Steve for his help!

I would like to share his observations for those who may have developed a similar fascination with period cases. Here is what I learned from Steve plus some photos. I hope you find this as interesting as I do:

"Lyon & Healy case:

Timothy Logan, That is a spectacularly clean case for 1925. It could use a couple minor repairs at the most. Do not consider redoing the interior. That is 100% genuine silk plush and impossible to find anything today with that quality. It's a Bull's Head case, by the way. The brand was originated by M&W (Maulbetsch & Whittemore) and sold to Feldsberg in 1920. So, you will probably find the Bull's Head stamp on the bottom containing the F&F initials.

You can't compare these vintage cases to today's modern cases. They did not have much padding and it was cotton padding, not foam. The instruments also did not have a tight fit. These were made for hand carrying, not for baggage handlers to toss across the room. In the last few decades we've seen a new style of travel cases with fiberglass shells, thick foam padding and a tight fit to the instrument. They are great cases, and I have some of them. But don't judge vintage cases by the modern standards. Enjoy them for what they are.

I'll post some repair tips tomorrow."

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That's a really nice looking case. What did you have to do to "rejuvenate" it?

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Originally Posted by Sue Rieter

That's a really nice looking case. What did you have to do to "rejuvenate" it?

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Hi Sue - nothing yet. At first I assumed it should be completely relined with padding - but Steve says no for good reason. So it does not need much work at all. It will need a slight tear near the headstock end sealed (no problem); have both cloth tapes over the hinges replaced (not too difficult); and reinforce the cloth hinge on the little storage compartment (mucho difficult). I am hoping Steve will have some helpful suggestions on that. I am good with wood (build Mission style furniture) and I knit very well - but fixing cloth??????? Help LOL!!!

All repaired and looks like new even though it is 95 years old!

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I will have to look at my L&H case. I doubt it is in as good shape as yours.