Case repair?

[Duzig]

Hello,
A question regarding conservation of cases. I have a few cased items in which the case is starting to come apart slightly or an end has started to come loose etc. Any recommendations on what to do about this problem? I usually just leave things as they are but it does annoy me to see this happening. Better to leave things as they are and be careful when handling it or is it possible to repair cases? If so any people who do this sort of repair work? If glue was to be used, what type would be best etc. Thanks for any comments and info
Duzig(Bill)

[Paul R.]

Bill, Can you give a little more information on what type of case it is. Is it metal, wood, plastic, table case, hanging case. Is the glass, or plastic coming out? Is there a lot of weight inside the case? Can you discribe the problem a little more, or submit a photo? Paul

[Duzig]

Hello again,
Paul I don't have the ability to post photos here but it is the case which holds the honor plaque for horse breeding. It's a 5x51/2 inches case heavy cardboard(?) covered in a black leatherette type I'd say. I just noticed that the bottom back where the one side of the case and the back of the case are joined there is a separation,not terrible but something which I'm sure in time,especially if the case is opened and closed will get worse. The plaque which goes in it is quite heavy actually, at least ten ounces or more. I don't know whether my description will help or hinder any possible suggestions. I do know many don't like to have to click on photo links but if anyone wants to take a look at the case I can provide a link.
Thanks again
Bill

[Paul R.]

Bill. Give the photo link. I'll look at the photo, or photos of the case. It might be a minor repair. It may also be a case compermise. Paul

[Duzig]

Hello,
Paul here is a link to a picture of the case. I hope this helps. The case isn't in terrible shape but when I open it I can see the back is coming apart some and it even feels like the bottom although visibly okay at some point may start to come thru. As I said I tend to usually leave things as they are but if they can be conserved without ruining things I'd like to give it a try perhaps. Thanks and I hope the link works. There are two pictures, if only one can be seen and can't access the next one I will put another link in. Second link:
regards
Bill

[Paul R.]

Bill, From a conservation, and collector stand point. I would not do anything to the case. It's human nature that we want to fix it. It would be almost impossible to find exact materials, or close to original materials. Glueing would be a fix, but would lower over all item value for resale. As a conservator. I would take it out of it's original case, and store and keep the two separate. A case or box that is not falling apart brings more value to that item. Hope this helps.

[Duzig]

Hello,
Paul I appreciate you taking a look and answering me back. I'm glad you mentioned about using glue would bring down the overall value because at first I figured maybe I'd just put a little glue at the back area but didn't for the exact reason you mention. The case is not in that bad of shape really but it does look as if it will continue to deteriorate if opened and closed too much. I kind of figured leaving it alone would be the best thing but figured I'd get some knowledgable advice just in case. You say about removing the item and putting it in something else. Is there any problem just leaving the plaque in the case and handling it as little as possible. In any case I thank you for your help and information.
again thanks,
Bill

[Paul R.]

Bill. From a conservation point it's best to remove that item from it's original case. There are several reasons to remove it. The foemost is keeping the original case intact. The case interior will disinterate and most likely out gas (chemical change). The glue that holds things together will out gas. Those fumes will attact the plaque material. thus causing a reaction on the plaque. The plaque in in the box liner can also trap moisture. It's best to keep them seperate. Paul

[Duzig]

Hello,
Paul thank you again for your info. That's why I asked the question, in the event that you thought it better to keep the case & plaque separate anyway. Again much appreciation for your help.
Bill