Box restoration

[rapperley]

Hi. I asked this is another thread, but haven't had any replies - I guess it is buried down amongst other comments.

The box for my Zinn Gem isn't in fantastic condition - what do you think I should do with it? The natural options to me seem to be:

a) Nothing
b) Have it recovered in leather
c) Remove the leather, sand it down and laquer it.

What do you think?If I were to have it recovered, who should I take it to? I assume it would be beyond your run of the mill shoe and bag repairer?

Cheers
Richard

 

[tom myers]

I think the question is, "why do you want it restored?"

If you are looking at this from the standpoint of a collectable set, you would likely devalue the set if you recover it or, in any way, "restore" the case. Generally speaking, antiques tend to bring better prices if they are not modified from their original condition beyond a general clean-up.

If you are looking at this purely from the standpoint of enjoying this rather unique old razor and displaying it in a nice looking case, then I think the correct answer is that you should restore it in whichever way you feel will make it look better.

Just remember, you have a rather valuable collector's piece here and, if you change it from it's present condition, you can't go back and make it "original" again.

Regards,
Tom

 

[Oldguy]

I agree with Tom. If it were my set I would not restore it. I collect and like to display my razors. Some sets I leave the case open to display and others I put the razor on top of the closed case. The razors I shave with I keep in the bathroom. Your set has a beautiful interior. It would display well. If you plan on shaving with it and not displaying it then it doesn't matter. It's your decision.

Len

 

[rapperley]

Hi. I did buy it to shave with, but I guess the integrity of it is important to me too. Maybe I should just consider having a custom box built for it for aesthetic value, and keep the box for monetary value....

Next question - does anyone out there build custom razor boxes?