Retail display style cases

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

Does anyone know of a display case similar to the retail display cases you see in stores (Photo of the display case I'm referring to below). I'm looking for something a little smaller around 35 inches wide instead of the typical 48 inches you commonly see in the retail cases. I looked everywhere but can't seem to find anything similar, there is a company that makes custom retail display cases in that size but I'm not wanting to spend $600 to $1000. Even the normal cases are $500 after shipping. Any ideas? I don't mind paying $300 shipped max but id preferer to keep it under $300. I have tried thrift stores and used furniture stores but haven't been able to find anything. Just looking for something similar so it could be made out of wood, just want it to be that style of a display case. 

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

I should also add it would be better if it had the sliding doors on the front not the back. It's going up against my wall in the war room and it's carpet plus id prefer not having to pull the case out from the wall everytime id want to take something out.

[72psb]

Try finding a store fixture store in your area. There are usually stores that specialize in used fixtures and store shelfing in larger cities. With all the malls closing, there must be something out there.

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

That's not a bad idea, I didn't think about checking soon to closed malls. Do you know if there is anything similar on Amazon to the retail display case? I tried looking but couldn't find anything. I may have to try locally again.

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

I'll also just put it in this topic instead of making a whole new one. What free floating shelves do you guys recommend for display helmets? Any brands? Or the good old fashion dyi? My main question, what shelf measurements are recommend for m1 helmets? 

[manayunkman]

Front loading cases are hard to find.

 

Ive always wanted one 

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

I figured they would be hard to find, if the only option is a back loading case then I guess I take what I can get. I may have to start visiting antique shops again and maybe I'll get lucky. At least the free floating shelves are a dime a dozen online. 

[digi-shots]

I think the doors are usually set up so they face the backside, most likely to cut down on theft.  
 

The sliding solid or mirrored doors can easily be removed and new plexiglass or glass doors can be fabricated.  You could just turn the case around.  The arm brackets for glass shelves come in various lengths.

 

Just keep checking around locally and maybe leave your number for a call back.

[vintageproductions]

You would have to have custom sliding doors made of glass and put the normal front of the case against the wall.

 

I don't believe I have ever seen a 35 inch case unless it was custom made, 48 is the smallest they usually come.

[dhcoleterracina]

I found a display cabinet from an antique store that is wood trimmed. As said, I was able to place it with the sliding doors in front and it looks ok. If you want to check antique stores you might have luck. 

[digi-shots]

I worked in a shop that had two 6’ foot cases side by side, both turned around with sliding doors on the front for easy access.  They were ok to use but having the doors on the front impacted the visual look compared to solid glass.

You could also just take the doors off..  
 

Have you tried IKEA?  They may have something and if you have one close you could pick up vs shipped.

 

Years back I bought a used 4’ from a local display that had used ones..  I used it for a while and finally donated it to local PBA (should have kept it, but it was kinda bulky)

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

Yeah I figured 35 inches would be near impossible unless like you said for it to be custom made. Well, this might take longer then I thought. I guess I'll start going to antique stores again. Yeah, I checked IKEA but didn't see anything I liked/that was similar to the above case. I do have used furniture stores in my area I'll have to check again. 

[gitana]

Would any of these work? 

I've used this store before for display materials.

https://www.storesupply.com/advancedsearch.aspx#q=Display case&sort=relevancy&numberOfResults=15

[M422A1]

Check Facebook Marketplace. I see display cases all the time on our local Facebook marketplace.

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

8 hours ago, gitana said:

Would any of these work? 

I've used this store before for display materials.

https://www.storesupply.com/advancedsearch.aspx#q=Display case&sort=relevancy&numberOfResults=15

Yeah that could work but then how much is shipping? 

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

So, I found out, shipping is $250 so it comes out to like $600 which I'm not quite willing to pay that much. 

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

https://a.co/d/0YeFGb5, I found this one on amazon, my 2 problems I have with it are there is no top glass and its only 12 deep not the usual 18 deep the retail cases are. However, it still would work what are your guy's thoughts? I feel like 12 deep would not be long enough for military items if you ask me. I think its fake wood, but more than likely that's to keep the price and shipping down, which is fine with me as long as it looks nice. 

[RWW]

The product specs for the unit you are looking at show the depth as 11.75". If that is the outer overall depth, then your internal display area is probably closer to 10" or so.

 

I would see what a cabinet shop would make one for to the dimensions you are looking for. Maybe even a friend who likes woodworking. The frame is nothing other than rails and stiles just like cabinets are made of.  You can purchase the glass for the project and supply that for them to build the frame around, and it may not be as expensive as you might think.

[earlymb]

On 7/14/2024 at 12:49 AM, LE LOUP DES MERS said:

Yeah I figured 35 inches would be near impossible unless like you said for it to be custom made. Well, this might take longer then I thought. I guess I'll start going to antique stores again. Yeah, I checked IKEA but didn't see anything I liked/that was similar to the above case. I do have used furniture stores in my area I'll have to check again. 

 

I don't know if Ikea sells these in the US, but have you checked the Fabikor and Milsbo cases? They appear to be relatively similar to the design you posted, I haven't checked the sizes though.

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

I didn't think about the depth like that, yeah 10 inches is definitely not enough for military items. That's a good idea about checking a cabinet shop out. I was going to check used furniture stores however I don't have the room in my car to fit a display case in and dragging it up two flight of stairs is something I'd rather avoid (upstairs apartment). But the cabinet shop is not a bad idea, they could probably take it apart so it's easier to transport. I'll keep looking on Amazon and what not and and if I find something similar I'll post it on here. Hopefully this topic will help other collectors too with finding a display case/cabinet. 

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

21 minutes ago, earlymb said:

 

I don't know if Ikea sells these in the US, but have you checked the Fabikor and Milsbo cases? They appear to be relatively similar to the design you posted, I haven't checked the sizes though.

Is this what your referring to? IKEA has this for sale it's about $380ish after taxes and shipping. It's only 13 inches of display room which would work. I beat Amazon probably has it cheaper though.

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

https://a.co/d/ftlfIhX I did recently pick this up though. If anyone is looking for a curio cabinet. I paid $290 shipped, I haven't built it yet but I'll post photos after I build it. It has lighting and mirrors in the back which is what I was looking for in a curio cabinet. The Ikea cabinet above may not be a bad idea if the legs can be removed when building it. If it had glass on top then I'd probably get it but I still may go with the Ikea model it just depends on the legs.  

 

[LE LOUP DES MERS]

I double checked the Ikea one and its almost $500 after shipping. I wasn't able to find it on Amazon either. What over all depth do you guys recommend on a display case for military items?

[ShibaLegend]

Wonder how much it would be to simply build one? I'm currently in the same boat and have thought about just building one myself.

[earlymb]

13 hours ago, LE LOUP DES MERS said:

I double checked the Ikea one and its almost $500 after shipping. I wasn't able to find it on Amazon either. What over all depth do you guys recommend on a display case for military items?

 

I would check locally for a used one, if you're not in too much a hurry. Craigslist, FB marketplace etc.?