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A.J. Godley Irish Guard
Nov 4th, 2022 at 6:58pm
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delivered today from an Ebay buy, this case is marked A.J. Godley, Irish Guard.
He had quite a military career, including fighting in the Boer wars.
He was the big guy in the Irish guard from 1900 till 1910.
He also spent a great amount of time in New Zealand.
I'm thinking a Martini (preferably a ZAR marked one) would be an appropriate rifle for this case.
It's canvas covered, would you try to clean it? I'm planning on re-felting the interior, but not sure if this has that much significance that I should leave it alone.
What would you guys do?

Aaron
here's an Irish style Sea Shanty for ya, well worth a listen
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back in the 90's I had a ZAR marked action, but sold it.
If you have one, or a whole rifle, I'd be interested
« Last Edit: Nov 4th, 2022 at 7:33pm by Rebel »  

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Re: A.J. Godley Irish Guard
Reply #1 - Nov 4th, 2022 at 7:20pm
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Aaron, Cool find.  A quick google and there is quite a bit of information on the gentleman.....based upon the photo...I'd think he's about to say...."What in the bloody hell are you doing with my rifle case!"   Wink
  
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Re: A.J. Godley Irish Guard
Reply #2 - Nov 4th, 2022 at 9:52pm
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Almost all old rifle and pistol cases are worth saving, IF you can do most of the work yourself. If you have to pay somebody it might get pretty expensive to save one like this. But even if unrestored it deserves being saved!
Provenance like this is really great, and if you can find a period correct firearm for the part of the world he lived in, it would only complete the case and gun.
  

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Re: A.J. Godley Irish Guard
Reply #3 - Nov 4th, 2022 at 10:13pm
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I was thinking it might be for one of his military rifles, a ZAR Martini,  but some research show these manufacturers made high quality sxs shotguns and double rifles
I don't know if i want to pay Pope money for one. my Sevens 44 1/2 w/ swiss butt (had it laying around) fits ok without being taken down, so it's not a takedown case as one might expect
Odds are I wont get the correct firearm for it, double rifles come at some cost, but you never know The label in it is one of a couple of styles, ( the fanciest one) I'll try to date it , might be for an affordable percussion shotgun in like condition. For now I might just place it above one of my doorways, or throw it in the closet, to be fondled occasionally
I love owning these wonderful pieces of firearm history. The beat up condition adds more interest to me. 
« Last Edit: Nov 4th, 2022 at 10:22pm by Rebel »  

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marlinguy
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Re: A.J. Godley Irish Guard
Reply #4 - Nov 4th, 2022 at 10:27pm
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A little beat up is OK, but I'd want it to have a working carry handle, and solid enough the corners weren't broken open, and chance losing a gun on the ground.
I figured it was a fixed barrel rifle, not takedown. And since the British and Irish like shotgun style buttplates, definitely not a schuetzen rifle.
  

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Re: A.J. Godley Irish Guard
Reply #5 - Nov 4th, 2022 at 11:46pm
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I'll be bringing it to my upholster soon. the original handle is there to repair to the case, loops are on the case for buckle straps 
I will preserve it without it looking fixed up as best I can.
It's in good hands.
I've been told to use wool cloth, not felt for the interior, gonna look for a old ladies coat at the goodwill as suggested so it won't look too new
Guess for now I'll fit it for my Bonehill conversion of a full size Martini, at least it's English and possibly period correct, and look about for a proper double rifle of that make I can afford
The Bonehill has a cool LSA tang sight mounted.
That's my plan and I'm sticking to it.
« Last Edit: Nov 4th, 2022 at 11:59pm by Rebel »  

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Re: A.J. Godley Irish Guard
Reply #6 - Nov 5th, 2022 at 10:20am
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Check your area for companies that do pool table repairs. We have one here locally that I go to when I need quality wool felt.
Also check if you have a Hobby Lobby there. They carry a wide array of hobby fabrics and prices are very cheap at ours here.
  

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Re: A.J. Godley Irish Guard
Reply #7 - Nov 5th, 2022 at 2:38pm
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I've been told by a member whose knowledge I respect that a chemical in felt will hurt the rifle's finish if left as quickly as overnight in a felt lined case. I don't store my rifles in cases, but in the safe.
Found a perfect used 100% wool cloth long woman's coat on Ebay for $20. Looks very good, but not brand new.
New felt will look just that, new.
I must research this a bit further.
Still trying to date the case by the label, it seems to be a very early one going by the address. long before BPCR's
To me, this is a big part of the fun of this sport.
  

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Re: A.J. Godley Irish Guard
Reply #8 - Nov 5th, 2022 at 3:05pm
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just saw that the firm was at 165 Piccadilly between 1896 and 1902,
so a BPCR would be appropriate.
  

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Re: A.J. Godley Irish Guard
Reply #9 - Nov 7th, 2022 at 12:49pm
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What a wonderful find!  As a semi-retired professional restorationist/conservator, my goal would be to have a sound, usable, and presentable case that looks it's age.  Therefore, I'd first make any repairs to the case itself.  Beyond that, I'd leave the lining alone except for a light vacuuming, have the carrying handle and straps professionally restored/replaced, and consider tacking any any loose canvas back down.

Bill Lawrence
  
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