Restoring Vintage Razor Cases

[Shutterbug57]

I recently won an auction for a Sheraton and it came with a box that is not correct for it. After doing a bit of research, I think the case is from a 1910 Old Type. The case was originally gold, but almost all the gold plating has worn off. There is only 1 blade case in it and it is in pretty good shape. The lining is in fair shape at best and there is a bit of the side lining that is torn that you cannot see in the below picture.

My question is where does one send such a case for restoration? Is it better (value wise) to leave it as is or fix it up? I do not have the matching razor at this time (never did), but that could be something to look for as well. I appreciate any input y'all have.

 

[weizemanner]

Right now it has personality... It looks good for 103 years old.

Taking it all apart, gold plating it, finding the other blade holder and getting them plated, replacing all of the upholstery, and finding the razor that goes with it in mint cond.... plus shipping each way on everything. Also, you won't be able to replicate the Gillette logos and the screen printing.

You could spend 300 easily and mint condition sets on ebay are only selling for 75-170 MAX. These aren't rare. The ones with the powder and brush holders and intricate carvings might be worth fixing up...

 

[Shutterbug57]

OK, you convinced me it's not worth a full restore. Let's say I did not care about the logo or plating, but wanted to freshen the interior of this case up to be a travel case for a Senator or Sheraton, basically new guts without the mold spots, what would that cost and who can do it?

 

[weizemanner]

just redoing the velvet... the materials should be inexpensive. Just a trip to JoAnn fabrics, about 10 bucks.

Who can do it? IDK.

 

[Shutterbug57]

Well, I raided my wife's odds and ends bucket on the craft/sewing desk and found a nice piece of material. She did not need it, so I got the OK to use it. I refurbished my case. I took out the old insides and cleaned/disinfected the box. Then I reverse engineered the inside and learned some things along the way. There are a couple of things I would do differently if I were to do this again, but I am happy with the result for a first attempt.

 

[mattdenicola]

Very nice!

 

[tdmsu]

Great job!
What did you learn in your reengineering?

 

[Shutterbug57]

Pay more attention to the materials used. The fabric is thicker than what it replaced, so while it will fit the NEW or Old Type razors, it will not fit the Sheraton/Senator - not that it was ever designed to, but it did - barely.

Also, use spray glue rather than brush on glue. It is easier and less messy and will not bleed through as easily.

Finally, take you time.