Restoring leather 1930's Cue Case - Help

runscott

runscott

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I just received an old leather Cue case that belonged to Babe Didrickson Zaharias. I need to restore it somewhat, but because of the historical value, need to be as unintrusive as possible. The case is missing the top, and maybe there was a piece of leather sewn to the bottom. Stitching has come loose on most of the side. Anyone recognize this model case?

Anyone recommend someone for the job?

http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case0.JPG
http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case1.JPG
http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case2.JPG
http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case3.JPG
http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case4.JPG
http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case5.JPG
 
Never seen one like that before, pretty cool. Are the stitching holes on that side seam intact or torn out? Lotsa work. Good Luck
 
I'd contact a person who works on horse saddles and tack or a good cobbler.
 
runscott said:
I just received an old leather Cue case that belonged to Babe Didrickson Zaharias. I need to restore it somewhat, but because of the historical value, need to be as unintrusive as possible. The case is missing the top, and maybe there was a piece of leather sewn to the bottom. Stitching has come loose on most of the side. Anyone recognize this model case?

Anyone recommend someone for the job?

http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case0.JPG
http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case1.JPG
http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case2.JPG
http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case3.JPG
http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case4.JPG
http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Didrickson/Case5.JPG
Click to expand...

Not 100% sure, but it could be an old Brunswick. I had one similar that came with a model 360 cue.

Its obvious the case is steerhide, probably bark or urine tanned, so the first order of business is to remove as much of the old finish as possible by using a deglazer by Fiebings available from Tandys or The Leather Factory. Let dry completely and apply a coat of Fiebings 4-way leather conditioner, followed by medium brown antique dye, hand rubbed with sheep wool. After the dye dries in an hour or so, spray a thin coat of Super Sheen also by Fiebings. Do the stitching after the deglazer or finish is applyed. I would offer to do the job, but simply do not have the time. Any local shoe repair shop should be able to handle the job for you.
 
Jack Justis said:
Not 100% sure, but it could be an old Brunswick. I had one similar that came with a model 360 cue.
Click to expand...
Thanks Jack,

It's possible it is a Brunswick - I got it with Babe's Brunswick Model 26 1/2 pool cue, but the case is incribed "from Ruth McGinnis" and the cue is inscribed from the President of Brunswick...probably two separate acquisitions.
 
matcase said:
Never seen one like that before, pretty cool. Are the stitching holes on that side seam intact or torn out? Lotsa work. Good Luck
Click to expand...

The stitching holes are fine - the thread is just torn out for about 3/4 of the length of the case.
 
What a wonderful find and a very unique case by todays standards. It would be great to see the end result. Congrats Scott

Mike
 
That kind of reminds me of the case from The Hustler. I always thought one of those cases would be pretty neat. I like it because of how minimal it is. I don't think there are any buckles or anything on it, just a top.

"I don't go around trying to hustle guys with leather satchels...Don't try to hustle me"
 
I would talk with someone that is in the business of tanning leather professionally.

It is obviously a very valuable item (because of Babe's ownership & the era)

Good Luck in your quest. Please let us see the the end result.
 
ceebee said:
I would talk with someone that is in the business of tanning leather professionally.

It is obviously a very valuable item (because of Babe's ownership & the era)

Good Luck in your quest. Please let us see the the end result.
Click to expand...

Look for an artistic leathersmith. Someone who will appreciate the artistry of the construction.
 
arsenius said:
That kind of reminds me of the case from The Hustler. I always thought one of those cases would be pretty neat. I like it because of how minimal it is. I don't think there are any buckles or anything on it, just a top.

"I don't go around trying to hustle guys with leather satchels...Don't try to hustle me"
Click to expand...

Me to but then I remember that I want to carry my pool glasses and the cleaner for them and a piece of Master chalk and a glass rod to fix any dings, and a burnisher and a tip fixer/rounder/rougher and some lighter fluid, and some Tylenol, Abreva, two different prescription drugs I take, some band-aids, a book to read at tournaments, a cue ball, .... All in all just a little more than the Hustler cases will allow. Pockets I need pockets! Or a purse. Or a Valet to take care of my multiple needs.
 
JimS said:
Me to but then I remember that I want to carry my pool glasses and the cleaner for them and a piece of Master chalk and a glass rod to fix any dings, and a burnisher and a tip fixer/rounder/rougher and some lighter fluid, and some Tylenol, Abreva, two different prescription drugs I take, some band-aids, a book to read at tournaments, a cue ball, .... All in all just a little more than the Hustler cases will allow. Pockets I need pockets! Or a purse. Or a Valet to take care of my multiple needs.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I guess you just check your tip before you leave the house - shape it if you need to, stick a piece of chalk in your pocket, get a paperback that fits in your coat pocket, then all you need is one of those nice sleek Whitten cases with no pockets!

(I need pockets too) :)
 
It might even be wise to check with someone like Paul Rubino or Mark K. at classiccues.com to see if you want to refinish in respect to preserving the value of the case. It depends on how much an item like that in original condition versus restored condition is worth. That may be quite a prize for a collector. You'll have to do some research it looks like. Good luck.

Edit: Mr. Abbot at billiardcue.com also seems to have experience with cases owned by notables.
 
Last edited:
?????????????

I think matcase is on the right trail. I think Paul Rabino would be the man cuemaker an pool historian extraordinar. I guy like that might be able to put you in touch with somebody special. I love old stuff like that great find. Good luck an I have seen the before picture can't wait to see the after. Shoe shop wouldn't worh for me. I would want to see someones resume before they get the job.
Pinocchio
 
Thanks for all the help, information and suggestions.

I have ordered all the stuff that Jack Justis suggested, and will start with some other less-risky leather projects to practice.

Thanks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top