Leather Handle for G&S case?

I know that this has been discussed before but haven't seen anything lately.
Curious if there is a good leather handle available to replace a missing one on a 1917 Geib & Schaefer Mandolin Case. If not I will try to make a reasonable copy. The case is well worn but it has over a hundred years of use and the A-1 is happy in there.
Also curious if someone can help with info on the rings that attach the handle to the case, do they spread or are they one piece welded? If so may be easier to just make a new one. Second pic is what I just did to hold me over for a while.
Thanks in advance
Steve

Someone was selling nice looing replacement handles on the forum, but I have not seen them listed for quite a while. I would think the D rings would be able to be removed buy spreading them.

I see you have started a thread at Vintage Musical Instrument Cases Facebook community and that's where you are most likely to get more info. I have taken old handles from damaged soft chipboard cases that have come my way. However, as they have old handles, the covering on them can wear very quickly and it may be sensible to buy a new case for your mandolin and leave the old case at home so it does not accrue any more wear than a minimal amount. I open up the rings that hold on the handle with pointed nose pliers- just poke the nose in and gently open the pliers.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NickR

I see you have started a thread at Vintage Musical Instrument Cases Facebook community and that's where you are most likely to get more info. I have taken old handles from damaged soft chipboard cases that have come my way. However, as they have old handles, the covering on them can wear very quickly and it may be sensible to buy a new case for your mandolin and leave the old case at home so it does not accrue any more wear than a minimal amount. I open up the rings that hold on the handle with pointed nose pliers- just poke the nose in and gently open the pliers.

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Maybe but then haven't found a new case that fits it as good & besides at over a hundred they are happy together. I'll try to open the rings then look at a replacement handle.
Besides I have always found that the Cafe is a great recourse as well.
thanks

For everyone that might need to open a set of rings on a handle our own Jim Simpson posted this on the above mentioned Facebook thread. These look like the perfect tool for case handle rings.

https://www.amazon.com/Satco-90-099-...eU0ea4sKuaaHnM

I got a strap on replacement handle for my 90 year old A case ,
when the leather over sheet metal one failed ..

2 kinds of strap /buckles, 1 for ' H ' - 'goalpost' case fittings
and another for D rings , neither have to be spread..
replaced, pliers pried closed , etc..

.. From my then local music instrument repair guy ..
he had a paper catalog from one of his suppliers ..

I am clueless on web searching , maybe you can do better..

~o)

Bernunzio uptown music in Rochester has the on their website, I would call rather than text or email as their response to me via those means has not been good, but they do answer the phone.

https://bernunzio.com/category/acces...es/case-parts/

thanks but I looking for something much better looking and more original in appearance.

Here is a link to previous cafe forum posts

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...e-Case-handles

Attachment 195891

After years of searching, I found the best ever, the answer to all case part replacement 'problems'. There are others, but I got this one.

It looks like others have found this, and some other good options earlier. Thanks for the Mandolin Cafe link Steve...






https://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/trunk-parts/suitcase-handles/

I have just bought for a paltry $25 a mid-30s Harmony Supertone mandolin with a juicy crack on its back with a contemporary Geib chipboard case for a whopping $25. The handle is just fine but it will stay with the case. If you keep your eyes open on eBay, there are opportunities to find these handles but it may involve increasing your instrument inventory. This mandolin had been reduced from $100 to $25, so I felt I just had to buy it and fix that crack! I have a bridge somewhere and it will receive a better tailpiece from my stash.

Attachment 196010

Just spotted these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/384351894449