Store Cigar Display Case

Hi,
I'm pretty excited about this piece. It is 17"H x 10" x10". I've just cleaned the front of the glass and happy to see there are no breaks and the decals are in very nice shape. There is some rust on the bottom and side of this, no holes. The little locking mechanism still works fine.
Should I try and clean the metal or leave it alone? If I should try and clean what would work best?
Any ideas or information appreciated.
thanks for looking

 

WOW!
I'd first clean the loose carp off being VERY careful around any lettering/decals and see what you have. Then clean the glass CAREFULLY around the lettering/decals and again see what you have.
If selling I'd stop there.
Keeping then light, not dripping wet, barely soapy soft cloth, carefully wipe down, air dry and wax it.

 

Might be a good idea on the inside and such to try a spray rust inhibitor to stabilize the metal after you have it cleaned up a bit. I would take masking tape and newspaper to tape off and protect from overspray on the glass and such as they are always oily products. I would just wax the front if it were me out of concern what kind of action a rust inhibitor may have on decals. Please understand I come from a machinist background and we spray rust inhibitor on everything that is at risk of rusting but I do think it would be a good long term thought for the innards if you are keeping it. It might need airing out for a day or two afterward though as rust inhibitor can havea mild odor.

 

Thanks KOT. The 2nd photo shows where I have cleaned the outside of the glass. The decals are on the other side of the glass, haven't tried to clean it yet.
I guess I'm supposed to sell it but I'm racking my brain trying to figure out what I could display in it so I could keep it.

 

I did know those are inside the glass then you have the manufacturer's yellow ones then I suspect the main top name/info is hand lettered.

 

Thank-you buyingtime777! both you and KOT mention wax - what kind of wax?

 

Simple Carnuba wax should be ok.

 

Would waxing harm the main top decals?

 

I think those are paint. Get your magnifier on them and see.
See if they're beginning to flake if not just be careful.

 

And I mean paste wax not liquid.

 

I would second the paste wax recommendation. Found this on the company. https://sskeewatin.com/legacy__trashed/tudhope-industries-of-orillia/

 

You are right, they are painted on. No flaking but pieces of gunk on them. I probably should leave this alone.

 

Carefully brush off the dirt and try waxing.

 

Thanks for the link buytime777! I found a similar one listed on eBay, in better condition but it doesn't have the top part that is on mine. I've sent him an e-mail asking if he can send me photos of what the inside looks like.

 

I'll take it home and vacuum the bits and pieces out, will have to think about the waxing bit.

 

OK...
Remember that the wax will protect it.

 

That may be best sold as is for someone else to take the risk. I would think a cigar smoker would love this as a man cave project.

 

It's a very cool piece. I rarely see things like this anymore.

 

thanks Lucille! I agree they don't turn up much anymore.
For the last 3 days my friend has been working on emptying a hoarder house - this is her last day to remove items as the place is being demolished tomorrow. They uncovered a baby grand piano yesterday, it was removed this morning. Considering the inside of the house it was in pretty good shape. Amazing amount of stuff they have rescued, but they have only gone through 3 rooms on the main floor so who knows what else is still in there but will be trashed tomorrow.