Posted 5 years ago
trunkman
(149 items)
Came across this little gem this week. I don’t normally buy suitcases but couldn’t pass this one up. I’m guessing it’s from around the 1860’s. Has that hour glass shape on the bottom, all tooled leather and big brass buttons. Has plenty of travel stickers that are in great shape, including a mention of being on the Empress of Ireland that tragically sank in the gulf of the St.Lawrence in 1914. This suitcase is in great shape given it’s age, missing only one handle. I want to shine up the brass buttons but I hesitate to lose the patina.
Hey T-man a great find! These are very difficult to find in that good of condition.
The lock is 1850's and 60's. Marvin Miller posted a similar one of these a few years back, it's been on my bucket list ever since.The traveling valise with the rolled handles are some of the earliest hand held baggage.( A forerunner to the suitcase)
Difficult to find the handles intact. Below is a patent for a locking devise for a valise (Steiner 1837)
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US520-0.png
I actually found a valise bag with this similar rod patent a few years ago (it was in dreadful / unrecognizable condition so I let it go. Always on the lookout though nice to see it survive.
Thanks so much Drill! Great info once again. Yes I was surprised to see how good of a condition this piece is in. I have never seen one come up before, even in bad shape. Even the stickers are pristine. Thanks again..
Very nice!! Thanks for posting!!
Thanks for the kind words lptools..
Great find! Wonderful condition!
Wow great find !
Thanks so much Manikin !!
Thanks myoldkyhome for the nice comment!