Hey guys!
I've been offered this briefcase thst has some damage and broken hardware, and I don't know what to do. The options I thought of, are:
a) To repair it (clean, dye, fix edges, change hardware, etc etc) and offer it back to its old owner. This restoration activity would be just for me to learn and have some fun, as I don't use briefcases but the other person does.
b) To make a wonderful autopsy, undo absolutely all to learn and study how it was made, and get some ideas for future projects. I like the idea but the piece is so nice that I feel very sorry to destroy it :'(
So.... I would like to hear your opinions... what would you do with it in my place?
Also... I was trying to find some handle hardware somilar to the ones it has but I am unable to find anything I like. Do you guys know or have worked with something like this, or know where I could find something at least similar?
If it was me I would dismantle it and make a pattern out of it. You could always reuse the leather as others have suggested
I’ve tried to use parts from an old bag and haven’t had much luck. The hardware was riveted on and it didn’t come apart in good shape. I like the reverse engineering idea and repurpose the leather. Assuming the leather is nice. The bag looks fairly simple so I’m not sure you would learn much.
If it was me, I would study all the dimensions and proportions to better understand the design. I would then see if I could clean and repair it.
I would strip it for parts.
Reverse engineer it like you were thinking and then use the leaher pieces to make something new out of :)