A Thomas Anne case is built to last. The Mahogany Family Hardwood is hand-finished and hand-selected. The brass hardware is fitted to stay. The finish is designed to age gracefully rather than degrade. But no object — however well made — looks after itself.

The care you give your case is modest in effort and significant in result. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep it in the condition it arrived in — and beyond.

Understanding the Timber

Each case is constructed from Mahogany Family Hardwood — chosen for its grain, its workability, and the warmth it carries in a finished state. The exterior is finished in a deep satin coat, with laser engraving used to expose the raw timber beneath in select areas, revealing the natural colour variation in the wood itself.

This means each case has two surface types requiring slightly different care: the sealed finish, and the exposed raw timber in the engraved areas. Both are durable. Neither is indestructible.

Environment

Wood moves with its environment. The same conditions that damage coins — heat, humidity, and UV light — affect the case itself, though through different mechanisms. For a full guide to the ideal environment for both case and collection, see The Collector's Environment.

Cleaning the Case

The microfibre cloth included with your case is the correct tool for routine maintenance. A light, dry wipe removes dust and fingerprints from the finished surfaces without risk to the timber or the engraving. Do this as often as the case warrants — weekly for a displayed case in regular use, less frequently for stored examples.

For marks that a dry cloth does not remove, a cloth very lightly dampened with distilled water — not tap water — applied gently and followed immediately by a dry wipe is sufficient. Work with the grain of the timber, not against it.

Do not use household cleaning sprays, furniture polish, or silicone-based products on the case. These alter the surface finish and can cause permanent discolouration in the raw timber areas. The finish does not require polishing — only gentle cleaning.

The brass hardware — locks and hinges — can be wiped clean with a dry cloth. If tarnishing develops over time, a small amount of brass polish applied to the hardware only — kept well away from the timber — will restore the original appearance. Wipe clean thoroughly after application.

Periodic Inspection

Once or twice a year, take a few minutes to examine the case properly. Check the hinge action — it should open and close smoothly without stiffness or play. Check the brass locks engage cleanly. Look at the foam insert for any compression or movement that might affect how the coins sit.

If the hinges develop stiffness, a single drop of light machine oil applied with a pin to the hinge pin itself — not the surrounding timber — will resolve it. Work the hinge open and closed several times after application and wipe away any excess immediately.

If you notice anything that concerns you about the condition of the case — finish lifting, joint movement, hardware failure — contact us directly. Thomas Anne cases are built to last, and we stand behind the work.