Paps Footlocker (and where to NOT use Fieblings Stain)

[ssjones]

We needed an ottoman in our family room and discovered this old footlocker in our basement. It was my fathers and apparently last used in the early 60's when he was a M-SGT.
I also used it in Scouts and apparently had to threaten my fellow scouts to keep out.
Stripping the paint took some effort, it had layers from various deployments and my dad wasn't particular how he painted it!
The feet were extras from the sofa company (a few were damaged, they gave us extra).
We still need to have a proper cushion made for it
The leather straps were in bad shape, so I brushed on some Fieblings stain. Over Thanksgiving, folks kept showing up with black marks on their clothing.....apparently it never really dried on the degraded leather. Fortunately it was just a sewn on cover and came off, revealing other leather straps underneath.

 

[deathmetal]

It's the perfect size and interesting looking. That immense plush sofa is quite appealing as well. Looks perfect for naps.

 

[piffyr]

That's cool, Al! Great job on the restoration!
Did you buff off the excess stain on the surface of the straps? I've re-dyed old leather many times without problems.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Big job! Well done. Though I really liked the before, too.

 

[ssjones]

@piffy - the leather on the strap cover was so degraded, that I didn't buff it off (it would have probably disintegrated). I put the stain on weeks ago, so I was surprised when it rubbed off on my grandaughters onesey and son-in-law's khaki slacks on Thanksgiving Day....
There was raw leather straps under, which look OK, so I'll let well enough alone for now and, put my feet up!
Some folks were sad that I stripped off my dads info. The wife and I disagreed on this, but our family room just isn't that rustic. I put the pix inside the lid, so they are saved. My dad wasn't too particular on painting, that wasn't his thing! I suppose he never considered it would be re-purposed.

 

[mikethompson]

Looks good!
A nice way to repurpose something from your dad

 

[nevadablue]

What a coincidence Al. I am currently lamenting the loss (can't find it) of my camp box from when I was in Boy Scouts. I am going to build one from scratch for my 7 year old grandson, and start stocking it with stuff. If I last long enough, it will contain all kinds of things up to and including my Ruger Single Six handgun. Of course this will take years, both for me to get it done and for him to be responsible enough to handle it. I foresee my hatchet that I have had for about 60 years, a good knife or two and all kinds of other things.

We are going to start learning fire starting methods first.
Wow, I am glad you have your dad's box. Thanks for showing it to us.

 

[ssjones]

Very cool project Ken, I'm sure your grandson will be thrilled.

My dad had three of these boxes, this one, one went to my brother and a really old, wooden one went to a daughters dead-beat boyfriend...
Coincidentally, a few years back, my father gave me his Ruger Single-Six (22 LR/Mag)as well!

 

[danielplainview]

Very cool. It’s good to see it back in use again.

 

[papipeguy]

Al, that turned out to become a beautiful family heirloom for many generations to enjoy.