It was over a year ago when I first designed these wicker cases, at that time I used scale drawings to make them. However the drawing were not correct so I stopped producing them and have spent a lot of time on research and looking for pictures of the real thing. Up until about 5 months ago I was not able to find a picture of the rear side of the case showing how the lid strap was attached. Tim Bowman came through for me and provided the pictures of a real one shown in this post.
I have used one of my original castings to make a prototype to show the strap clamp and fittings. These are as close as I can make them in 1:6 scale. I have found some strapping that is the correct size, but do not have it in stock to show at the moment. The locking devise will work and hold the strap to keep the lid closed.
The problem with my first attempted was the wicker between the wooden posts, the drawings showed these as being equal distances apart, when in fact the center one is wider. I will be making a new master and will include more detail on the lid and base. The case will be cast in resin which I am going to cast in light brown. By applying a coat of dark stain and cleaning it off, should leave the stain in the wicker recesses and wood grain to give a realistic effect. More on this once I have tested my theory.
These will not be available for a couple of months.
Prototype container.
Holds both AP and HE rounds as the real one did.
Close up of strap lock and guide.
The real one.
Detail of top lid and rear of container showing the cloth strap was stitched to the wicker.
Regards
Mike