Need opinions - pro and con - and maybe a photo match?

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

I did listen to you, Mike, since you collect from smack dab in this era. I took everyone's opinion into consideration.

I assume the corners and hardware are brass(?). Anyone got any ideas how to best remove the corrosion (best shown in the 4th photo of my second post)? I don't want them to shine necessarily, but I would like to remove some of the roughness. Here's a trunk restorer I found and plan to hit up for some free advice.

http://www.legacytrunks.com/

Check their before/afters and restoration photos!

If you have done business with or know the owner ignore this. "Free" advice is only free to the person getting it. Be upfront from the start that you are only looking for advice and offer to compensate them for that advice. Business owners see this way different than hourly workers. As a business owner I see free advice the same as someone walking into their local super market and asking for a free T-Bone. As a business owner we also hate being lied to and will sometimes give "free" advice that will cost you by screwing up your project/item intentionally.. Just a FYI. Nice trunk and good luck with the restoration.

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by bnorth

If you have done business with or know the owner ignore this. "Free" advice is only free to the person getting it. Be upfront from the start that you are only looking for advice and offer to compensate them for that advice. Business owners see this way different than hourly workers. As a business owner I see free advice the same as someone walking into their local super market and asking for a free T-Bone. As a business owner we also hate being lied to and will sometimes give "free" advice that will cost you by screwing up your project/item intentionally.. Just a FYI. Nice trunk and good luck with the restoration.

I hear ya, Ben. As it turns out, I found another site with a lot of how-to guides and followed the online advice for dealing with rust. I bought a Dremel tool this morning (I've always wanted one ) and went after the rust with a small wire brush. The brass is pretty much gone but, at least, the rust is too. I'm gonna stop before I screw this thing up. Wouldn't be the first time!

Thanks for the auction comparable, perezfan! I'd still love to see a photo of a player with a similar travel case.

[ooo-ribay]

I feel pretty good with the authenticity of my suitcase. It looks like Bobby may have painted it himself. The "B" in Bonds is just like the "B" he would usually start his Bobby with...this makes sense because he would presumably start "Bonds" like he would start off his full autograph.

[ooo-ribay]

I swear I am now done messing with this thing. I realize that replacement hardware will be considered blasphemy by some, but I'm not one of that "some."

I was able to find exact replacement hasps and a lock. The patina is not perfect, so maybe I need to leave this thing outside for a couple of winters. To replicate the original fasteners, I cut down 16 penny nails and ground off the waffle head. I'll never sell this piece and I do think it now presents better.

[perezfan]

Amazing restoration job.... looks great, Rob!

It went from looking like something that was recovered from the Titanic after decades on the ocean floor.... to a very attractive piece of vintage luggage.

I'd say the restoration was warranted, and well worth the effort you put in!

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

I swear I am now done messing with this thing. I realize that replacement hardware will be considered blasphemy by some, but I'm not one of that "some."

I was able to find exact replacement hasps and a lock. The patina is not perfect, so maybe I need to leave this thing outside for a couple of winters. To replicate the original fasteners, I cut down 16 penny nails and ground off the waffle head. I'll never sell this piece and I do think it now presents better.

That looks awesome Rob.

[buymycards]

Brass doesn't rust. Brass will tarnish a little but it can be easily cleaned with a product called Brasso.

If the latches and corners on your suitcase are rusted, they must be made of some sort of steel or iron.

BTW, I love the suitcase and I also think that Bobby Bonds was underrated.

Rick

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by buymycards

Brass doesn't rust. Brass will tarnish a little but it can be easily cleaned with a product called Brasso.

If the latches and corners on your suitcase are rusted, they must be made of some sort of steel or iron.

BTW, I love the suitcase and I also think that Bobby Bonds was underrated.

Rick

I think the hardware is brass PLATED and most of it wore off, leaving the metal to rust.