KEY CHAIN DISPLAY CASE

by SUSAN

2 Materials

$10

1 Day

Easy

Several years ago I started collecting these unique key chains "Made in Italy." One in particular actually has a full deck of playing cards. My collection was growing and I wanted to display them for the enjoyment of others as well. I won these two wood pieces for $1 at an auction. Using them I created a great way to showcase my key chain collection!

I'm guessing the cabinet maker used this as a sample of the various millwork they provided. I saw it as my display case framework.

Fortunately, I also found this board which I used to anchor my shoulder hooks to. It was undoubtedly a sample door the cabinet maker had on display. The stain is mahogany and does not match the outer frame. So I flipped it over for the smooth surface and what do you know, that stain matched my framework.

Using brass shoulder hooks, I screwed them to my board. Perfect for hanging the key chains.

Once the location of the hooks were measured out evenly, I attached twelve per row. Final step was to secure this board to my frame using a L bracket.

There you have it!

If anyone has information on these vintage key chains that were made in Italy, please share. Thank you!

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5 of 10 comments

SUSAN on Jul 23, 2017

Thanks Hillela! At this cabinet maker's auction, there was a huge building with large machinery and tons of new wood. My eyes immediately spotted the two stained pieces that I used for this display case. They were in separate locations. Once the idea came to me, I held my breath that the center board was large enough to fit in the frame properly. :)

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Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA on Jul 24, 2017

Absolutely awesome! My mom used to collect unique key chains. My dad made her a a beautiful display case. My brother took the collection when she passed on. Love auctions such as these, you can find so much great stuff, you have a great eye! Thanks for sharing. 💖

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- SUSAN on Jul 24, 2017
  Thanks Naomie! If possible, I would love to see your mother's display case that your Dad made. I believe your mother lives on through her collection. 😌
  
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- Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA on Jul 24, 2017
  Would love to, but my brother took them and he does not live here - who knows if he even displayed them in his house. Sorry! It was just a simple frame that he made out of scraps in his shop, nothing as special as yours!
  
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- SUSAN on Jul 24, 2017
  Naomie, as you know, your Dad put his heart in that display case when he made it for your Mother! It far surpasses the pieces I found and put together from an auction. Although you can no longer enjoy your Mom's treasures in person, you can certainly revisit them anytime in your memories! Thank you for sharing! God bless!
  
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