Auto 5 Cases

Yes, I fixed it. I’m having to type-in the Imgur link on this cellphone because I can’t sign-in to BrowningOwners on my lap-top because there’s no way for me to accept cookies on the log-in page. So, if you could send me a box of the Girl Scout macaroons, I’ll gladly accept them.

Private message sent. Thanks

Anatidae sending you a PM

The trigger guard is finished. I received these photos this morning asking for my approval. I did not hesitate to approve. It's all 'hand-cut'.


He requested some clarifications on details for the smooth escutcheon (grommet around the slotted end of the forearms' transverse screws).

One step closer to completion.

Very nice, hand cut is way better than pneumatic, did he submit you a sketch or you gave him "carte blanche"?

I provided photos of the original, taken before it was virtually destroyed by 2 so-called ‘restoration specialists’.

I also provided the Watrin dessin crayon from 1961.

after the engraver roughed-in the design, he discovered the original pontet in the shipping box. Everything was much easier after that.

Oui, He had carte blanche due to his familiarity with Funken’s style and the technique and traditions from his training at the Ecole in Liege. He said he will make this Funken ‘right’ and he did not disappoint.

I am curious to know how many hours it took to do such intricate work.

I will inform you when I receive an invoice.

He started around 4:30 pm on Tuesday and sent a photo of the completed engraving around 10:00 am today. So, I would think 8 hours, minimum. I do not know his hours.

My wood guy sends me stuff at all hours and no certain days. He was working on another gun last Sunday afternoon. I’ll get a call at 8:00 pm sometimes. I don’t mind - I’m just glad they’re working on my gun.

I'm fortunate to be retired and not have to rely on 'work' for sustenance - it's more to prevent boredom or stagnation of the mind, body and demeanor (soul), now.

So, it is pointless (for me) to work on anything that I'm not totally focused on. Sometimes I reach a point where I just need to do some 'mindless' activity like run a chain saw or kill some ants.

Our best work is 'inspired'. I have found this to be necessary with the creative arts.

I jog between working my dog, upgrading nets on the blinds on 2 duck boats (re-designed for my comfort and the possibility of 3 golden retrievers, now - 2 puppies at age 69 is a 'sentence'), keeping some small acreage in check, researching, writing, gun projects, gun cases, and keeping in touch with a pool of other like-minded aficionados of the Superposed, Belgian contacts.....etc.

The longest I have focused on any of those 'interests' (other than translating correspondence with Sophie Purgal) is about 4 hours and that was while building this D5 gun case - I was determined but I also had sense enough to realize I was basically feeling my way through the whole process, and needed to pace myself to avoid making stupid mistakes and having to re-do something. That irritates me to no end.

So, I have come to appreciate the fact that my wood guy, gunsmith, and engraver only work 'inspired' also.........otherwise, I probably don't want them working on my gun as I may not realize the results I hope for. Not everyone can do it to a high level of care and quality.......and I understand 'why'.

For the client, waiting is the hardest part of any 'project'. It takes a tremendous amount of patience, not knowing what (if anything) is being done. At least I know it is being done to a high level, now.......it is a trade-off.

This is a new project - it is fascinating to see how simply these cases were constructed - conserving materials where they 'could'.

This is a barrel rest block in a 2-bbl Auto-V case which is 7/8" x 1-3/8" x 6". Notice that they used a piece of 1x (3/4" nominal dimension) and tacked a 1/8" piece of poster board to make the 7/8" wide dimension.



'Not sure whether I'll use full-dimension wood, or a combination similar to the original construction - it will be the owner's call.

They only put as much neoprene behind the 'lug' end rest block to achieve the purpose - I suppose this could be done to reduce as much weight as possible, too.

If I may ask, the poster board on the barrel rest block, was it factory installed or a later alteration. The other think that captured my attention is what looks like saw marks on that block???

Good question, Biz. I am sure it is factory as the end stop block, felt, and neoprene are cut to ‘cap’ the 3/4”+ 1/8” combo. Yes, the blocking appears very rough but is a consistent dimension.

if you are wondering why remove the blocking - I was attempting to gain access to the front wall to remove the locks and hasp without too much damage to the fabric or other components.

Do you know the wood species, the year the case was made and the country of origin?

The case appears to be basswood as I suspected. I have not exposed any but the front case wall.

The wooden blocks look like a conifer variety - probably pine.

I don’t know country of origin nor how to determine this.

It has “Patent Applied For” stamped in ink on the interior liner felt - so that would suggest pre-1935, Oui?

If I remove the lining from the lid, it will confirm the # designation for this case configuration. I believe it is a #5 for Auto-V with extra barrel.

Note: the demo of the interior and exterior is not part of this project. I can build a new ‘box’ in the time it takes to strip an existing case an prepare it for new coverings (excluding any structural reparations). The bottom of this case was separated from the end wall and at least one corner joint on the lid was separated. So we decided to go with a new box.

I finally got my plating solutions and have been playing around with buffing compounds, wheels, and the new bench motor - more tools for the job.

The original 'feet' were in bad shape (left, in photo) - I hated to stick them back on a new case. So, I removed some of the rough spots with 400 and 600 grit hardware cloth (right, in photo).

Then buffed them with the bench motor, put them in the flash copper tank.....

........then bronze tank.........

Back on the buffing wheel to get the finish I wanted............

........ then into the antiquing/darkening solution. The bright bronze would 'age' eventually - the antiquing solution just does it in 5 minutes. A good rinse and a little hand polishing with a cloth and I'm really excited and pleased with the results.

These are ready to go 'on' the covered case. New rivets for the original locks and hasps have been 'colored' as well.
Stay tuned. This one is finally taking shape.

Awesome!