Custom tournament size leather reel cases

[Mike N]

I commissioned my brother-in-law, who is a talented leather craft hobbyist (holsters etc) to make me 5 custom leather cases for my best vintage tournament reels.

First, he did a plain mock-up prototype without tooling or buckle or stain just to see how the tournament reels fit.





The last photo he sent to me today of the post-tooling work, before final antiquing and sewing. More later.

[Midway Tommy D]

Be careful, Mike. Leather cases can promote nasty chemical reactions (verdigris) on old reels.

[Mike N]

Thanks for the warning. I’ve collected reels for quite a while and had probably 40 leather travel cases and never had a problem. I clean my reels regularly and usually keep them in glass display cases at home. The finest reels like Kovalovsky and Edward Vom Hofe are synonymous with fine leather cases. I like that combination, frankly.

We are thinking about adding a felt or lambswool lining like the fly reel case he made me previously. See photos below first posted last July.

I hear the same concerns about putting plastic tubing on my lure hooks; then I get stabbed by a barbed hook or have them get entangled in my display case cloth lining, and out comes the plastic tubing.

I have no problem if someone wants to travel with their reels in an old cotton sock or Crown Royal bag, but I feel these gems deserve better carriage.

[RonG]

Another option for a liner is pool table felt like Talbot used.

[Mike N]

My brother-in-law brought me 10 custom made reel cases this evening, 5 for me and 5 for me to offer at the April 28-29 NFLCC Weirton meet ($45). Each is a bit different and each is separately lined in leather to prevent the metal snap inside from possibly touching a reel. They remind me of the pre-WW II era, when hand craftsmanship was the standard.

[RonG]

Those are some real nice leather cases. I really like the leather embossing on them. Each one looks different and worthy to hold your tournament reels.

[kyreels]

Those finished out nicely. They are better than any factory case I have, and I have a bunch. Love the lighter shades and the designs. Your brother-in-law is a great leathersmith.

[john elder]

Man, those are beautiful, Mike! What an artist! That’s something i long ago decided to leave to others with a talent for it! Congrats!

J

[reelsmith.]

.
Your brother-in-law does nice work !

Thanks for sharing those, Mike.

Dean.

[Mike N]

Thanks. I’m sure Jerry appreciates the comments. I received some inquiries, so he authorized me to offer 5 for sale before the NFLCC Show. I I listed them above on or our ORCA “for sale” thread.

Mike N.