I really like cleaning my basement. Despite the constant state of clutter, I find all sorts of things that, over the years, I’ve misplaced. Gear gets pushed around during my seasonal sporting changes like when I swap my fishing tackle for hunting togs. Winters are a good time to clean up and reorganize the mess so long as it’s after late season goose and before spring trout, striped bass and turkey. That time frame is a narrow window, which probably makes me enjoy basement cleaning all the more.
A few months ago, I came across two leather leg o’mutton shotgun cases. One accommodated a shotgun with barrels up to 29 inches long while the other would hold barrels up to 31 inches long. They were given to me by a woman whose husband had passed away. She was moving to Arizona to be closer to her children and grandchildren and wanted to know that the cases would be used. According to her documents the shorter case once held a 20-gauge Belgian guild gun made privately for the original Abercrombie and Fitch. A picture showed her husband holding the shotgun which was the first double-trigger over-and-under I ever had seen. The gunning iron had a receiver with gorgeous case coloring and was choked full-over-cylinder. The longer case had held a Simson 12 bore side-by-side. The German firearm was utilitarian and choked in a classic IC/Mod configuration. I suspected her late husband hunted grouse and quail with the 20-gauge and waterfowl and pheasants with the 12-bore. I’d have enjoyed meeting him as many shotgunners have a tough time shifting from stacked to side-by barrels.
Alas, the firearms were long gone but she gave me the two leather leg o’mutton shotgun cases. Evidently the buyer brought his own cases and was disinterested in tattered leg o’muttons. They needed some work, for the leather was moldy and dry, the straps were in need of repair and a considerable amount of stitching needed to be done. I thanked her for her generosity, brought them home and plopped them in the basement.
The longer case had held a Simson 12 bore side-by-side. The shorter case once held a 20-gauge Belgian guild gun made privately for the original Abercrombie and Fitch.
I found the cases one winter and set about a restoration. I started with a tub of saddle soap and a wet cloth and after three rounds of lather I removed all of the mold and accompanying stains. They were sturdy, with molded brown leather that was more protective than my soft cases. I removed the straps and cleaned and conditioned them, too. Ultimately, they’d need replacing, and I’d get that in time. I popped in a few grommets for security and took them to my local leather shop for stitching. Two light coats of mink oil nourished the clean, dry leather, and I smiled when I buffed them to a gorgeous shine.
These leg o’mutton shotgun cases were common during the Edwardian period and their bespoke quality stands in sharp contrast to my current collection of hard and soft cases. Maybe they aren’t as practical as a current soft case, and they certainly aren’t suitable for modern air travel. But they were made in a time when quality mattered. As I looked at these leather cases I wondered this: will my metal and soft cases be in service in one hundred years? If they are, will the new recipient hold them in awe?
Wooden Cris-Crafts. Split cane fly rods. Restored sports or muscle cars. Bespoke shotguns. Leg o’mutton shotgun cases. All are part of quality and tradition. And they all withstand the test of time.
If you’re looking for a modern leg o’mutton case, Wren & Ivy has you covered. Their new Leg O’Mutton Breakdown Case is a perfect blend of classic style and modern functionality. Crafted from durable waxed twill canvas and vegetable-tanned bridal leather, this case exudes timeless elegance. Its sturdy construction features solid brass hardware with an antique finish, ensuring both durability and and plenty of vintage charm. Designed to accommodate both over and under, as well as side-by-side fowling pieces, it boasts a side cinch strap to secure your stock and action. The thoughtful design includes a convenient side pocket for storing choke tubes and cleaning kits, enhancing your shooting experience. Inside, a hydrophobic fleece lining replicates the look and feel of classic shearling while being easy to clean and quick to dry. With an adjustable handle and shoulder strap, this case offers unparalleled comfort and versatility, making it the ideal companion for your cherished outdoor companion.
