How were the transit chest internal labels glued / fixed to the inside of the lid?

[jimmieZ]

I managed to find a truly excellent reproduction (even down to period-correct paper) label for inside the lid of the sniper rifle transit chest. How were these labels attached to the wooden lid?

Thanks
Jim

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

I'll tell you what WE did......... Ripped out the old torn labels as best we could and sploshed over the area with some of what we called GUM ARABIC. It was a sort of browny colour, thin and a bit watery and was called Arabic because it smelled and looked a bit like the residue from a camel drivers jock strap after a 12 hour ride across the Sahara on a hot day. But I digress as I'm prone to do on an overcast Easter Saturday afternoon......

After a few minutes drying, it left a wishy washy coating. Slosh some more of the foul smelling arabic glue onto the back of the label and stick it on. Then slosh some more GUM, Arabic over the whole lot and leave to dry - and for the smell to leave the Armourers shop.

[breakeyp]

Currently available without Peter's comments is Rubber Cement. Application is as Peter describes.

I dawned on me that people may not known the secret in using Rubber Cement. Apply on the box and on the back of the label. Spread it out to full coverage with no bumps or lumps. Place a thin piece of cardboard between the two surfaces and position on end of the label where you want it and slide the cardboard out allowing the label to fall into place. Quickly take a rounded stick or board and smooth out the label. I had occasion to do this many time in the Army in a drafting/illustration office.

[bigduke6]

After a few minutes drying, it left a wishy washy coating. Slosh some more of the foul smelling arabic glue onto the back of the label and stick it on. Then slosh some more GUM, Arabic over the whole lot and leave to dry - and for the smell to leave the Armourers shop.

Was this the same stuff for the labels in scope tins ?

[jdmcomp]

I have researched the old glues, especially one called mucilage (spelling suspect) and found a good recipe for this glue. It is water soluble but once dry will hold quite well. It is applied as above, once to the surface and to the label. When the label is affixed, a coat is applied over the whole. It will leave a fine film in the overage that looks quite original. However, it does not smell nor offend. It has worked so far on wood, metal and paper with or without paint or finish.
I have a hobby of recreating old labels because they cannot be found. Also boxes, crates and so on. Email me for details of the glue if you need it, it is made from common materials found in any grocery.
John McPherson

[A square 10]

so basicly we are still talking rendered materials for glue - dont put your lips on it

[Flying10uk]

The Canadian Bren Transit Chest which I'm currently doing a major refurbishment on had an external card label attached to the front panel of the chest stating that the weapon contained within was in long term storage. It also indicated that there was also a spare barrel and mag contained within in the chest. The label stated that the chest was located at 202 Base Workshop and this has already been identified on this forum as being in Montreal, Canada. If memory serves me correctly it was Jim who kindly informed me of this. This label was positioned on the top left corner of the front panel and was held in position by 4 steel tacks. The condition of the label was getting poor and so I have had it laminated to preserve it and it will be put back on the chest on completion of the restoration.

[Flying10uk]

This is a scan of the label which was attached to the top left of the front panel on the Bren chest which I mentioned earlier, if any-one is interested. It is believed to be of Canadian origin.