I've got a WWII medal case where the piece that covers the hinge has come unglued on the top. The bottom is still firmly attached though. When the box is opened the lid is bending backwards in excess of 90 degrees and could really use the reinforcement help that repairing the hinge cover can provide. I'd thought about using Elmer's glue to re-glue the top, though have wondered if using a wood glue is a better idea. Any help or other ideas on how to best restore the box so the flap is functional again is welcomed

Wood glue is the same as Elmer's. Use contact cement. That is likely what the original glue was.

I would have thought the glue originally used , wasthe same glue used by book binders , the name escapes me at the moment , but if you search for book binding equipment im sure you will come up trumps

 

With the outside of these boxes being covered with a LEATHER type material , and i say that term loosely .as im not 100% sure of the original covering material

 

hope this is of some help

 

LB