Working on a AWA 453-P portable and would like to get a "vintage looking" type carry handle. The original has lost all of its leather covering.

Can someone point me as to whom would supply a suitable new carry handle ?

Thanks for any help.

I have had a leather strap fail on my heirloom (operational) Circa 1914 Transit survey level box and on an ex Army thing: Fixed no issue,. . Fortunately a friend makes leather dog collars & a bit of Horse tack.

So you have, Bootmakers (we have one here) some Horsey places & some of these alternative life (Hippy type) fairs & shops where you may be able to get it re-clad as even the latter, often have leather workers.

Do not ever, dispose of that handle, you need it.

Marc

If that is the one with the lid which controls the valve filaments when opened, you could even make a replacement handle from dog collar leather if you can obtain some rivets and a riveter from a craft shop. I'll admit I cannot suggest who could do the stitching if you want an exact copy of the original handle - shoe repair shops may be the only suitable place - some of the older Mr Minit joints, etc.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. The 453-P is not the one which switches on the filaments when the lid is opened, it has a door which lifts up to reveal the front panel.

Know the radio referred to, it is a AWA 450-P one of which I have and did a rebuild on it only a few weeks ago. By the way a nice little performer and took it to a remote farming area out of Rylstone NSW and was suprised as to how well it performed.

Only a small 4 valve radio.

Anyhow stumbled across EVATCO up in Queensland and happily they quite a range of carry handles one of which will do the job very well.

There's normally an easy solution: Its just knowing where to look: The boot makers & those making horse tack have hefty sewing machines that will handle leather & canvas.