RK cases

[tom hansen]

I was wondering if members of the forum had specific criteria for authentic RK cases. I have read the other RK case thread and there were may who stressed the quality of the case, but not specific details. In this as well, there was a posting of eight cases, two of which were repros, but it was not revealed which ones were repros. I have specific questions about Rk cases

1. What is percentage of originals that glow vs not glow under black light?

2. What are the characteristics that distinguish satin from rayon? Is satin an earlier piece than rayon? Is there characteristic to the threading pattern or feel?

3. On the reals vs the repros, what metal parts (catch and hinge) are magnetic and non-magnetic? Are they usually brass or steel or both?

4. Is chambering on square cases consistent with early production? Is chambering seen on many repros?

5. Are square cases earlier war than round cornered cases, or is it variable?

6. Is there a common number of individual "breaks" in the hinge, or is it varibale among originals (6,7,8,9?)?

7. The dimensions noted in Gordons book 150mmX80X27 exactly match a repro I have, but not the originals. What dimension is more commonly off on repros vs originals?

8. Is there a way to determine if the padding behind the satin/rayon back is cotton without slicing into the back? Is there any other material besides cotton that was used for this?

9. What distinguishes a '57 case from a '39?

10. The base in which the cross rests is black velvet. Is this true of repros? What distinguishes velvet from other materials used for the base?

11. Is there characteristics of the push button release which characterize originals vs repros?


Thanks for any information. I think that specific details pertaining to these issues are good to have on file for reference, such that some general criterion can be used. Not trying to be a jerk at all, as I would not expect anyone to take the time to answer all of these, but any individual information would be very helpful to me as well as others, as it seems as though this topic is not clearly defined. Thanks for any input.

[George Stimson]

Well, to start off here are a couple of '57 cases. They are box-like and "clunky."

[George Stimson]

Everything white on the inside glows under blacklight.

[George Stimson]

Push buttons and hinges on these are all magnetic. Different sized hinges, too.

[tom hansen]

Push buttons and hinges on these are all magnetic. Different sized hinges, too.

Thanks George-
I have noticed with respect to the black light test that there is a big difference between true flurorescence and reflection of the light. In that fluorescence will "glow" when the source is placed about three feet away. In contrast, what appears to "glow" with a closely placed light source is eliminated with the UV source placed about three feet away in a dark room. This needs to be done in side by side comparison of truely fluorescent and non fluorescent material as compared to the piece in question. It appears as though silk, as opposed to rayon, if a light source is placed closely, will give a false positive due to reflection, rather than true fluorescence. Rayon does not appear to do this, as it is not as reflective.
Is any chambering seen on the '57 cases,or are they a straight edged box? Does not a square cornered original case appear "clunky" as it is square, or are the sizes different? What do you think about the other things I mentioned above. Are any original hinges or catches non-magnetic? Thanks for the information and photos George.

[George Stimson]

These glow like a Jimi Hendrix poster.

[tom hansen]

These glow like a Jimi Hendrix poster.

I rather like Jimi Hendrix. Silk, however, appears to reflect, rather than fluoresce. I know what you mean about the glow, in that it is unmistakeable. However, reflection with a closely placed light can give false postives. When the source is placed about three feet away and one stand about six feet away, the apparent fluorescence of reflection is eliminated, yet those fluorescent material continue to fluoresce brightly such that the difference is quite clear.
Do you have any other opinions on the above specific characteristics? It appears as thought the '57s are square and unchambered. Is that correct? Any other thoughts? Thanks again for the information.

[M. Zimmer]

RK case

Hello Tom and all other guys

here are some fotos of the mysterious case , please tell us your opinions

Mathias

[Dave Kane]

Tom, George has it right about 'clunky'...odd word but kind of fits! 57's are lacking the 'quality' and attention to detail the orig. cases show and as there were quite a few (basic) styles....most basic being the squared corner it is a very difficult thing to describe with words....with the 'basic case' it comes down to a TACTILE examination!


The more elaborate cases will have highlights around the top of the case, around the upper and lower sides and all show a 'craftmanship' that is easy to recognize.

Even on elegant cases there might NOT be the expected heavy velvet nor the heavy padding in the upper portion....OR there might be a combination of heavy padding and very thin velvet OR the other way around!!

As suggested...you will know when it's in hand!

Dave

[Ed Tainton]

57 Box

This is my 57 box

[Ed Tainton]

57 Knights Cross Box

My 57 Knights Cross Box

[Ed Tainton]

57 Box

My 57 Knights Cross Box

[Ed Tainton]

My 57 Box

57 Box hinge

[Ed Tainton]

57 Box

MY 57 Knights Cross Box hinge

[Ed Tainton]

57 Box

The inner part