A new (to me) vintage lawyer's briefcase

[Benzadmiral]

Just bought this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/25145322142...l?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=251453221429&_rdc=1

I've been needing a briefcase to carry manuscripts, in two expanding file folders, to my writers' group on Monday nights. A big plastic bag just doesn't do it. And my budget wouldn't stretch to a 1945 Army briefcase from Custom Hide, nice as those are. So vintage seemed like a good bet. The measurements look good, but I hope it's wide enough!

 

[Tomasso]

I hope it's wide enough!

The measurements were posted in the auction, no?

BTW, nice bag.

 

[Benzadmiral]

Oh, sure, the width was listed as 5" -- but I didn't have my file folders with me to check.

I can always take some of the papers out and carry just the crucial ones in it.

 

[Atticus Finch]

You have the real deal. One exactly like that has served me well for over two decades.

AF

 

[Benzadmiral]

You have the real deal. One exactly like that has served me well for over two decades.

AF

Thank you, sir. There were several other ones in my price range -- a dark chocolate one (it said "Made in China" inside, so it probably wasn't very vintage) and one like this with a more orange tint to the leather, but with a couple of wear holes. The seller on that one suggested some duct tape inside would probably solve the problem. But I liked this one best.

 

[vintage.vendeuse]

Congrats on your win!

I was looking for a leather luggage thread and hadn't yet found one so I hope you don't mind if I share my set, too:

 

[Tomasso]

Congrats on your win!

I was looking for a leather luggage thread and hadn't yet found one so I hope you don't mind if I share my set, too:

View attachment 11421

Nice pieces you have there! Hartmann?


BTW, there is an existing luggage thread here:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...ER-TRUNK-LUGGAGE-PIC-THREAD&highlight=Luggage

 

[vintage.vendeuse]

Nice pieces you have there! Hartmann?


BTW, there is an existing luggage thread here:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...ER-TRUNK-LUGGAGE-PIC-THREAD&highlight=Luggage

Gee, don't know how I missed that thread, I'm still having some trouble learning how to search this forum.

No, not Hartmann, unfortunately. No name anywhere, not even on the locks. The only marking is an impressed "Saddle Leather" in a shield on the bottom of each piece. The set is in such beautiful condition inside and out that I'm scared to use them! And they even came with a key.

 

[Tomasso]

The set is in such beautiful condition inside and out that I'm scared to use them!

I hear you. I was bequeathed a pristine set of Hartmann luggage (similar to yours) by an uncle. I foolishly decided to use them and let's just say it was a very bad decision (read post #41 in the luggage thread for details). I would advise you to limit their use to car trips where you will be the only person handling the luggage.

 

[Benzadmiral]

Very handsome luggage, V.V. They look sort of like the kind of fitted luggage Mercedes offered with their 300SL roadster and coupe back in the 1950s.

I've received my briefcase, and it looks and feels great. Plus it holds my two expanding file folders full of manuscripts with ease and with room to spare. I'll treat it with a little leather cleaner and a conditioner, and -- as someone said here on another topic -- Robert's your mother's brother!

 

[feltfan]

Nice briefcase and luggage! I recently picked up a vintage English attache case,
which you can see here:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?76015-Leather-care-for-old-briefcase/page2

I've been happily using it to lug around my 15" Macbook Pro.