Display case?

[jeff_75]

I realize this isn't exactly mandolin content, but it's close, and I can't think of a more knowledgeable group of folks to ask. We have an old fiddle in my family - it's not worth much, but it's of decent quality, pretty good condition, and it belonged to my great grandfather, so obviously it's got a great deal of sentimental value. No one in the family currently plays fiddle, and we'd like to get a nice display case for it, perhaps something that could sit on a bookshelf or fireplace mantle. I've only been able to locate one or two options on the web. Any suggestions or thoughts?

[mandroid]

Something like a picture frame in front of a shallow Box?


I've thought of putting my childhood 'teddy-bear' in one ,
with a little brass hammer on a chain beside it.

[Bob A]

I understand that there were some very attractive wooden cases, heavily inlaid with marquetry and lined with silk, made in times past for just that sort of thing. While they had brass handles, they were generally not used for transport, but for display of a fine fiddle.

Frequently found atop the grand piano, they made for an elegant way of keeping the instrument at hand, but were themselves fine furniture and objects of art. Not too easily found these days, and somewhat pricey, one would be just the ticket for your grandfather's fiddle.

You might find a cabinetmaker who could whip something up like that for a few hundred bucks. FWIW, silk linings are not only attractive, but the silk itself tends to be a humidity buffer, absorbing excess and releasing it slowly, thus keeping moisture-related expansion and contraction of the wood to a minimum. Even today high-end violin cases are lined with the stuff, for this reason.

[Steve Ostrander]

I have seen some small display cases at craft stores. Another option would be to DIY or have one made for you.

[JEStanek]

I did a google image search for Violin Display case and plenty of options came up. Also try Violin Shadow Box. You can find some to buy or ideas you could show a cabinet maker.

Jamie

[thistle3585]

I have built a couple display cases, for items other than instruments, and I would think an instrument case would require humidity control. I spoke with a fellow two years ago who was making display cases for instruments but he ended up buying another wood working business, knife handle I think, and had put the display case project on hold. There are a number of companies that make shadow boxes. Try www.spartacraft.com

Andrew

[jeff_75]

thanks for the input. these are the two i found online. i'm looking for something like these. (and one of these might be the one i go with. i was just looking for more options and prices before i made a decision).

violin case

violin case 2

[MikeEdgerton]

You might want to keep it someplace other than on the mantle if you use the fireplace and wherever you store it keep it out of direct sunlight. Heat is not your friend here and the inside of that case might get a little hot.

[mandroid]

the previously seen Cigar Humidor Cabinet would be a bit large,
but climate control or gages would be useful

to keep it from going off the scale in temperature or humidity % in there.

[JEStanek]

In case of Eileen Ivers, Break Glass! If you're gonna spend near $350, I would talk to a cabinet maker too...

Jamie

[Tim2723]

I'd ask a museum curator. They get cases made all the time and are particular experts in long-term preservation techniques.

[thistle3585]

I find the website address for a discussion several years ago but the site is currently under construction. www.woodtones.com

[billhay4]

If you want this instrument to last, you'll have to have a properly humidified case. I suppose you could use one of the case humidifiers out there, but this would require regular refilling of the gizmo.
A humidified case will be more of a project for a cabinetmaker.
Bill