Traditional display cases for Sailor's Valentines are typically octagonal with all eight sides
of equal length; however, a small number of antique cases were made with two or four of
the eight sides longer than the others, resulting in an elongated form.  Most of the antique
cases had a glass front that was held in place by eight strips of molding.  The more finely
crafted cases were sometimes made with a hinged lid with a hook latch or a mortise lock.  

I make solid wood display cases in three basic styles (see below) from a wide variety of
domestic and imported woods    Beginning January 1, 2009, all display cases 8" and
larger will be made with mortise and tenon type side joints for significant added strength.

Also new for 2009, I am working to provide D.E.L.S. with a supply of my display cases for
their store in Massachusetts.  (View their current store inventory by clicking here.)   If you
don't find something you like in D.E.L.S. store inventory and do not have a deadline to
meet, then you can place a custom order with Trisha Brown at D.E.L.S., or you can place
your order directly with me.  The turn-around time for custom orders for my display cases
typically runs 2 - 3 months, but could be shorter or longer depending on my backlog at the
time.     
(1) FRONT/BACK LOADING (click for prices) - the glass is held in with eight pieces of
molding installed above the glass; the plywood back of the case is attached with screws
so that it is removable.
(2) FRONT LOADING (click for prices) - the glass is held in with eight pieces of molding
installed above the glass; the plywood back of the case is covered with a face veneer of
the same wood used for the sides of the case and built into the sides of the case such
that it cannot be removed.  Brass-tone or silver-tone triangle hangers available if desired.
(3) HINGED TOP (click for prices) -  the glass is held in the top section of the case with
eight pieces of molding installed under the glass; the back of the case is built into the
sides of the bottom section of the case such that it cannot be removed; the top and
bottom sections of the case are hinged together and held closed by a hook latch or a
mortise lock.
The front/back loading boxes shown above were made of  "grey
driftwood" picked up on our local beach .
The front loading boxes shown above are made of  Honduras
Mahogany, stained and finished with clear lacquer.
The hinged top display case shown above is made of African Ebony.
The full mortise lock and faux ivory accents are added custom features .
Jim Prestigiacomo
For custom display cases you can contact me directly:
jimandrose@seashellsandwood.com
979-849-5228