Need Pattern For Wwi Dispatch / Map Case, Please...

[johnggrg]

John,

I have the map case. I haven't had the time to draw up a pattern. The case is a little complicated as construction and design techniques are 1st 1/4 20th Century, Rock Island Arsenal 1914 H.E.K. There is a gusseted enclosure (pouch) on the back that runs the full length of the case, and the whole thing is in beautiful hair cell veg tan (not impressed hair cell, but the real thing). There are two wet formed pencil holders sewn to the gusseted pouch. There is a fold down and button stud cover for the front and back that covers the tri fold map case on the front and the pouch on the rear. D rings attach to straps that go through the top of the cover. They obviously did high quality leatherwork at Rock Island. The tri fold part is held together by two button stud enclosed straps attached along the edge of the pouch on the back

The replica that is for sale is not nearly this detailed and is different in significant ways. There is also a covered magnetic compass attached inside the tri fold which is not there in the replica models I have seen. I am trying to decide whether to deconstruct this item or to do the best to recreate it without deconstruction. The third option is to restore this one. I am leaning toward options two.

I have always thought that Rock Island did a fantastic job of turning out the many quality leather items that they did. Just like the other arsenals, they obviously took pride in the work they did.

I'll get plans as soon as I can, maybe on a flow as I do them. Good luck trying to find that hair cell veg tan.

Art

It's for myself Art. But thank you for your help on this and let me know what you come up with. John

[johnggrg]

So no one knows???