LOM Restoration

[Mark Landskov]

Greetings and Salutations, everybody! I have a LOM case that needs repair, as follows: Areas need to be restitched and the cloth lining needs to be replaced. The stitching has become very fragile and is falling apart. The cloth lining is quite worn. Fortunately, the leather is virtually unscathed and the divider is still there. I also have the shoulder strap. From a layman's perspective, I could see removing all stitching, replacing the cloth liner and restitching. I would eventually like to have this done, but the prices I've seen for professional restoration are staggering! I have no doubt that the quality of workmanship is there and the final outcome is well worth the expenditure, but my budgetary constraints are tight right now. Based on my description, can anyone throw out a guess on repair costs and help me set some parameters for saving up for this undertaking? Thanks, and Cheers!

[Bill Murphy]

If the liner is ruined and the stitching is ruined, this case was either of poor quality or it has suffered some kind of fatal damage over the years. It sounds like the repair, if possible, will exceed the value of the case. You could send it to Kevin McCormack for evaluation.

[Mark Landskov]

Hmmm....with the case in hand, I can see where my description may have been too general. Specifically, the stitching securing the end-cap parted, leaving the rest of the case intact. I only assumed that, given the way the stitching on the end-cap parted, the remainder of the case may be questionable. Maybe a few decades of allowing the barrels to drop into the case, uninhibited, took its toll. As for the Royal Purple felt lining, the barrel underlug may be the main culprit for wear, although the felt has come loose from the divider, also. The leather looks nice, with no evidence of poor storage conditions. The entire leather shell, straps, handle and hardware are in great condition overall. This evening I can attach some photographs to further clarify my dilemma. As always, Cheers!

[Eric Eis]

It maybe time to look for a new case, what you have discribed is not a cheap fix and you can find a quality LOM case used for around 200 to 250

[Bill Murphy]

If the end cap is the only stitching separation, that is what you restitch. The rest of the stitching may last another lifetime.

[Eric Eis]

But if he wants to refelt the case that's going to cost... and that is why I said it might be better looking for a used LOM in good condition.

[Mark Landskov]

Uff Da! Thank you all for your input. I know you have had many dealings with these cases and I trust your opinions. Cheers!

[Bill Murphy]

Call Kevin McCormack and ask him what he thinks.

[John Dunkle]

What Bill said. Kevin is the go to guy for repairing LOM cases. You can PM him off this site.

Best to you!

John

[Mark Landskov]

I will contact Kevin. Thanks!

[Bill Murphy]

Kevin has done maybe twenty leg of mutton cases and trunk cases, a speed bag, and a couple of other projects for me with good results. My next project for him will be a refitting a carrying case for a Model 21 Winchester salesman's cutaway. My favorite McCormack project is the complete interior fitting of a trunk case for a minty bar in wood eight gauge Westley Richards.