UBB.threads Forums General Interest Community Center Custom Cases

Weapons ... a touch of bravura.

As aficionados of antique arms many of us on these forums are keen collectors of German edged-weapons, as well as those from many other countries - knives, combat bayonets, hunting/forestry weapons as well as striking, valuable daggers and swords.

Some of my most memorable occasions were visiting museums and private homes, looking at and discussing collections of objects. What kind..? ... any kind. I once saw a thimble collection that I thought was exceptional simply because of how well it was presented. Whether decorative sewing thimbles, dinosaur bones or Samurai swords, the Czarina's jewelry, or a fantastic firearms collection, displaying things properly can make the experience that much more enjoyable and remarkable. Not only that, it protects and preserves those important, sometimes irreplaceable investments, too.

Quite a few of us enjoy presenting our collections in the home study, or den so that they can be seen, admired and appreciated. The late Bob Waitts kept the most unimaginable and exquisite selection of Imperial and Third Reich military antiques, superbly and tastefully displayed in his business office. Anyone who ever visited there will bear witness, it was truly a sumptuous feast for the eyes!

Together with my good friend, co-worker, colleague and master-woodworker, Thomas T., we've been designing and building custom dagger cases together for well over ten years. The truth is that with any worthwhile endeavor, practice makes perfect, so we've been practicing. I'd like to share a few recent projects that we've worked on.

The first case is of quarter-sawn solid walnut, with an inlaid, walnut eagle. This one was built to safeguard a very fine German naval dirk with ivory grip and Damascus blade.

Similar to original German dagger cases, the dirk and scabbard are recessed, securely nestled in first quality velvet. All of our handmade cases are finished with excellent solid-brass hinges and closing catch. Recently, we started doing inlays and will work together with you finding the proper artwork for your custom design, should you request that, or other monogram, initials, etc. A finished case and interior like this for a single, normal-length, dress-sidearm is $400, plus shipping. Additionally, cases can be built to any size and to store any number of daggers and/or other objects. (choice of velvet color and wood type - cherry, oak or walnut) Rare and exotic wood types can also be used depending on availability. Specialized price quotes upon request.

The second set of photos are of my favorite Colt.45 in a case of walnut and quilted, or cloud maple.

To help save on expense, we also use almost any and all kinds of cases supplied by our customers, finishing your project with the same acid-free materials and methods we use in all of our own cases. Have your own showcase or favorite supplier ship directly to me.

The third set of photos is of glass-front, wall display is featured in a 'customer-supplied case.' This 24x18x3.5 inch wall case contains two rare German hunting knives by F.Dula, and an exceptional Austrian Hirschf�nger/knife, the clamshell motif being a Wolfsangel-rune on a gilded background. The second wall-unit is in the preliminary layout stage for a display of St. Hubertus elements.

May we build one for you?

Bill Warda Jr.

[email protected]

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Bill's work is fantastic!

There are other examples of Bill's handiwork on several threads here.

All amazing and simply beautiful, a great way to display and protect treasures.

How expensive is it to ship such to Canada?

John

Looks Great!!! Bill, I would like to order at least one of them I will e-mail you on my wants.... Thanks for offering this.. Regards: James

Gentlemen,

Thank you very much for your kind thoughts, sincerely appreciated.

John Z - I haven't sent one to Canada yet, but I'd imagine around a hundred US would be close to the mark ... first class, insured USPS.

Jim - I look forward to working together on your project.

Dave - don't forget about that bauble we talked about ...

Best regards!

Bill

Wow those are beautiful ! How much would shipping to Germany or Croatia be ?

Karlo,

Haven't sent one to either country yet, but I would imagine somewhere around $100-125.

Best!

Bill

I have another two on order, these are fantastic boxes for your prized dagger.

Gary

Gary and Denny,

Your kind thoughts and support are much appreciated!

Best!

Bill

Bill,

Do you make cases for awards/insignias in which the items would not move around or have to be anchored somehow?

William Kramer

Fellow Collectors,

I recently had the opportunity and pleasure to build a large, custom display case for one of our fellow GDC members, "all1knew". As of the last post to this thread, William sent me his requirements plus ideas and photos and together we layed our game plan. A table-top presentation to arrange a good-size bronze eagle along with some fine, original decorations and awards.

The case is made of a nice walnut with ash trim and has a glass top for easy viewing without lifting the lid. The lid also has a gasket to keep dust getting inside to a minimum.

A special, sincere thanks to all those who've trusted me with their rare, expenive and cherished collections over the years. Gracias amigos.

A few snaps of William's case and a couple others, hope you enjoy the details.

Best regards!

Bill Warda

Custom cases and displays built for antique firearms, edged weapons and medals - [email protected]

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I think that's got it, let's see if this works now..?

This first shot is of three political-style daggers from my collection, an early SA by HACO, an SS by Herder and a late, RZM by Sch�ttleh�fer. I thought these three looked nice together, yellow, black, red.

There, that's better.

This second 'gravity-type display' was for an old friend, a great pair of RZM models from the same factory, one etched with a proper motto, though, it's mate 100% correct but perfectly upside-down. I believe they were marked M7/36, EuF H�rster..?

Hope you gents will be so good as to add your examples too!

Kind regards!

Bill

Hey Bill you have my attention.....Your custom cases bring the beauty out in those M33 daggers. Regards Larry

BRAVO Willi !!

Regards,

Gentlemen,

Thank you all for your kind responses, much appreciated!

I was going through some old discs and found a bunch of images of cases and displays I worked on a while back ... I'll pop in a handful from time to time and hope you might enjoy them. A few of you gents may remember some of these earlier projects, so, sorry if you've already seen 'em.


We'll get to some fine daggers later ...
... but for now how about some early, ornate, German cigar-cutters?

Good collecting and best regards to all!

W~

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Wormy Maple

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Willi:

Real beauties (and so are the cases )

John

JZ,

Thanks! Didn't forget either ... .. still crunching.

Here's another old pic, a stunning Henckels model, courtesy of our own mate from across the pond, baz69, aka - sauf�nger-kid. Really a beauty - no, no ... not Gary! ... the bloody Hirschf�nger!

Just funnin' bub, appreciate you sharing your superb collection with us. You just don't get to see stuff like this unless you really keep your nose to the grindstone. See, hard work and good clean living pays off again! Thanks mate.

Good collecting everyone!

B~

Beautiful!

A truly superb way to display and those cases exhibit a craftsmanship that is very uncommon taday.

Superb Bill! No doubt there is much time & expense in both time & materials to build a bespoke case such as these.

Thanks!

Bill

a well-detailed KM ...

jewelry quality craftsmanship ...

North American walnut ...

What beautifull pieces !!! You have changed my entire thinking on how to display unique items !!!!

Hello Russian,

Happy to have provided some inspiration for you to display your collection. These beautiful old weapons and baubles need to be displayed at their best to truly appreciate just why we collect them. I hope you'll post some of your finished projects back here when they're completed.

As mentioned earlier, I'll post some more older photos and hope you enjoy them - sharing ideas is what it's all about. Whether you have an Honor dagger or a small collection of mint tinnies that you're pleased with, there's no doubt they'll always be more impressive when nicely displayed

You'll notice a good deal of hunting and forestry daggers, it's because I've been working on a rather large collection in this field for several years now. I trust you won't mind?

Best!

Bill

WHW glass

KM