Early 1900s Leather Suitcases? Repros?

[Xopher]

Do any of you folks have an idea where I can find a nice leather suitcase/travel trunk. I really like those old 1890-1910 style ones. The really rugged looking all leather suitcase with the belts that go the whole way around. Is there anybody that makes them anymore?
Kinda like these
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/7a/b6/2d/7ab62d1b25a5173bbd15c6347cd5d066.jpg

 

[seres]

Saddleback Leather has something similar. http://www.saddlebackleather.com/leather-suitcase

 

[Xopher]

Oh....My.....but $1300 though? Wow, is there a cheaper version of that anywhere. Thats pretty exactly what Im looking for but god thats salty

 

[robrinay]

Vintage luggage can be found at most antique fairs car boots and garage sales for a fraction of the new/reproduction prices shown above. eBay too is a good source but shipping will be relatively expensive as vintage luggage tends to be large and or heavy. I'd advise you to get to Fairs and car boot/garage sales early before the best stuff is hoovered up by dealers to be re-sold at twice the price - often at the same antique fair.

 

[Shangas]

There was a shop I knew years and years and YEARS ago which sold them. I have one which I still use occasionally. It's a great overnight bag.

You CAN buy them new from places like Saddleback, but if that's too steep, then your best bet is to buy vintage or antique examples and repair/refurbish them. If they're just plain leather, then repairing/replacing the straps shouldn't be too difficult. It's fixing the lining that can be a hassle.

 

[totallyfrozen]

Oh....My.....but $1300 though? Wow, is there a cheaper version of that anywhere. Thats pretty exactly what Im looking for but god thats salty

Well, that's a lot of leather. Probably more than one animal's worth so I'm guessing any one you find is going to be on the high end.

You might try Filson. I think I remembered they had some leather bags and luggage a few years ago. Traditional styling. I have one of their heavy canvas and leather bags. Top quality. Will out live me no doubt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CSG]

Those old bags tend to be VERY heavy. As cool looking as they are, I want my luggage to be light weight. I make one concession for a small leather duffel from Piel. Otherwise, the old stuff is simply not practical for the modern way we travel, style points not withstanding.

 

[robrinay]

There was a shop I knew years and years and YEARS ago which sold them. I have one which I still use occasionally. It's a great overnight bag.

You CAN buy them new from places like Saddleback, but if that's too steep, then your best bet is to buy vintage or antique examples and repair/refurbish them. If they're just plain leather, then repairing/replacing the straps shouldn't be too difficult. It's fixing the lining that can be a hassle.

Fixing lining is fairly easy. The sides are usually strips with the edges folded under and fixed in with double sided tape first and the base and inside lid last last with shaped cards covered in the lining material either glued or double sided taped.

 

[littlewing6283]

As everyone says vintage is probably best bet. Saddleback prices are high but worth it imo


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Shangas]

Those old bags tend to be VERY heavy. As cool looking as they are, I want my luggage to be light weight. I make one concession for a small leather duffel from Piel. Otherwise, the old stuff is simply not practical for the modern way we travel, style points not withstanding.

Steamer trunks are cool, but try lugging one of those gigantic one onto a plane! That'll be fun!

 

[Seb Lucas]

Those old bags tend to be VERY heavy. As cool looking as they are, I want my luggage to be light weight. I make one concession for a small leather duffel from Piel. Otherwise, the old stuff is simply not practical for the modern way we travel, style points not withstanding.

Yes and the Saddleback stuff is marvellously made but particularly heavy too. I had a large SB satchel but even empty it was ridiculously heavy and hung around my neck like a brick on a strap. Sold it. I dislike the look of modern bags but they work better for me and as I walk everywhere, lightweight is best. Unfortunately.

 

[Fading Fast]

Yes and the Saddleback stuff is marvellously made but particularly heavy too. I had a large SB satchel but even empty it was ridiculously heavy and hung around my neck like a brick on a strap. Sold it. I dislike the look of modern bags but they work better for me and as I walk everywhere, lightweight is best. Unfortunately.

Could not agree more and this is from a guy who, in general, loves vintage or respectful reproductions.

I own a Mulholland Brothers briefcase (see below) that is really nicely made and has a good vintage look and feel but is pretty light. A friend of mine bought the Saddleback version and his weighs - just a guess - 3+ pounds more (or double) what mine weights.

To be sure, his will probably last longer, as it is the briefcase version of a Sherman Tank, but mine is still growing strong after 15 or so years of use (looks better with age) and I have had 3+ less pounds to carry around.