Case Handle

[T Wayne]

I have a 1923 Gibson A-Jr. The case is in very good condition but the handle is in very poor condition. Does anyone have a source for authentic handles?

[MikeEdgerton]

I just bought a case handle off eBay for 25.00. It's probably off an old musical instrument case but it's the same handle that was on there from the factory. Some are better than others and I hit this accidentally.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...andle&_sacat=0

That search will show you if there are any out there. Be careful, one of those is covered with black tape.

These are out there as well under several different categories. They aren't original but will do if you want new.

[Bill Burch]

I bought a vintage-looking handle from Janet Davis Music for around $13. It's brand new and certainly didn't match the patina of the case for my 1911 Gibson A4 blacktop. I put the handle in a coffee can with some coins and shook like mad. This scuffed the leather up nicely. Then I took the coins out and put in some granular kitty litter. More shaking and the kitty litter made a nice matte finish on the leather and made the handle even more weathered looking. Finally, I took some circuit board etching acid and hit the plated shiny parts. This cut through the plating and gave me a suitable dull nickel finsh.

Once on the case, you'd never know it was a replacement.

Bill

[MikeEdgerton]

Have you got a link to the handle? I don't see any on her site that look like the handles in the old Gibson cases. I'd love to have another option other than the emergency strap type handles.

[MikeEdgerton]

Here's another new one, same handle but listed for a Singer sewing machine case.

[Bill Burch]

Here is the handle I bought.

Bill

[MikeEdgerton]

I actually have a 1919 case that has a similar replacement handle on it that's probably been there fifty years. I do like your method of aging it. It's a little longer but the same idea. I bought this one.

[T Wayne]

Thanks Mike, that will do the job!

[T Wayne]

I did go to a shoe repair shop and get some leather and lacing to recover the original handle. I will work on this when time allows and post a picture of the results.

[mandroid]

I was perfectly happy to use a buckle on one..so the D Ring rivets to the case didn't have to be replaced..

the steel sheet metal Liner under the leather, the loops around the D rings has Worn thru ..

[Phil Goodson]

Not vintage, but some other options.

[Loudloar]

I was perfectly happy to use a buckle on one..so the D Ring rivets to the case didn't have to be replaced..

You don't need to touch the plate or rivets that hold the handle on. Just use some pliers to spread the D-ring open, switch to a new handle, then use pliers to squeeze the D-ring closed again. You can use a piece of leather or rubber between the pliers and metal to avoid scratching the plating.

Steve

[Michael Lewis]

Here is the place to find information on vintage cases. Steve Kirtley has really done the homework in this regard, and has made replica cases.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/vint...nstrumentcases