Indy's Suitecase?

Cooler King · Post by **Cooler King** » Fri Jan 03, 2003 7:58 pm

As I was planning a ski trip for next week, and I had Raiders on, when I realized, "Hey, I need one of those suite cases!" I don't know what kind it is, but it seems to be a simple suite case. Anybody got some info on it? I looked through Indy Gear and couldn't find anything. That might be a good adition, just a suggestion.

If anyone's got info let me know!

Thanks,
~Aaron

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 10:03 am

DrJones56 wrote:As I was planning a ski trip for next week, and I had Raiders on, when I realized, "Hey, I need one of those suite cases!" I don't know what kind it is, but it seems to be a simple suite case. Anybody got some info on it? I looked through Indy Gear and couldn't find anything. That might be a good adition, just a suggestion.

If anyone's got info let me know!

Thanks,
~Aaron

It is a simple suitcase. I did some research on this.

It's a vintage leather suitcase that gentleman carried in that day. The lid sits over the body of the entire case and is hinged on by two leather straps. There are two latches on the front. If you keep a lookout, you see these cases everywhere. When I was in SAS Factory Shoe store during the holidays, they had one with a fedora and an umbrella on it in their display window. (You can see Indy has another one in his closet.)

They roughly measure 22" x 14" x 6". Naturally, they come in different sizes. I did notice that the latches have changed over the years. The one I have is different but the design of the case is still the same.

You see this bag again when he is on the dock getting ready to board the plane in Raiders. In LC there is a little boy walking behind Indy and Marcus carrying one and you see these bags everywhere in the German Airport.

I picked up one very similar to the one pictured on ebay. I will take some pics with gear thrown in it a al Raiders sometime today or tomorrow.

They can still be purchased new from Swaine Adeney Brigg in London, I believe. Sterling and Burke in Washington, DC appears to sell them. But, get ready to part with some serious $$$$! The 22 INCH TRADITIONAL LID-OVER-BODY SUITCASE BY SWAINE ADENEY BRIGG Price: $1,600.00

http://www.classicluggage.com/Swaine_Ad ... d7213.html

They also sell a briefcase similar to what Indy uses in Raiders when he is meeting with the government men.

What's interesting is that I can find no indication of manufacturer or brand label on my case. However, it seems to fit right in with the Indy motif.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Pyroxene

Cooler King · Post by **Cooler King** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 1:44 pm

Excellent! Thanks Pyro! I think I have more than enough to go on! Thanks a million!

~Aaron

Post by **Indy Magnoli** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 2:57 pm

I remember seeing those at HJ in London. I fell in love with the breifcase... then I looked at the price. I was almost convinced that I was doing the conversion to USD wrong.

I found a great match at a second hand shop. It's a Samsonite. I don't have a good pic on hand, but here's one that I made for my website:

I probably paid less than $10 for it.

Kind regards,
Indy

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 3:12 pm

I wouldn't take these cases on a plane. They get banged around too much. However, for roadtrips and such. You can't beat them. They are timeless! I get so many compliments on my travel bags when I visit people. It's an easy was to look like a seasoned traveler.

It's a cheap hobby too. Many times, you can pick up a bag on Ebay for $15 or so. But, these leather suitcases can run a pretty penny even in an online auction.

Pyro.

Henry Jones Sr. · Post by **Henry Jones Sr.** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 4:00 pm

This is another example (think vintage eyeglasses) of gear which, by serendipity, you may even find in local antique stores, and for decent prices. Keep your eyes peeled, and you'd be surprised what you might run into in some of those shops....

Good luck in your search!

Regards,

Henry Jones Sr.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Wed Jan 08, 2003 12:07 pm

As promised here is a comparison of my case with Indy's.

You can see I am missing the gun. I think Indy's case is a larger one but of a similar make and style.

Here's mine all packed and ready to go.

Cooler King · Post by **Cooler King** » Wed Jan 08, 2003 12:15 pm

Nice pics! I like it, I think I'm sold! I see you have your Wested lable displayed nicely, very good.

Thank you for the info gentlemen, always good to know I can rely on you guys for all my Indy Gear needs and questions!

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jan 08, 2003 12:20 pm

David Morgan is an avid collector of old brief cases, and mentioned the very case you pictured above as a good example for collecting if looking for the 'Raiders' briefcase. When speaking to the original prop folks many years ago, they had NO clue what the original cases or luggage was, nor what happened to it after they were turned in, so it's all speculation as to what was actually used for the movie. No records were ever kept as to what was rented from the prop houses, and a lot of the old stuff was sold off to make room for new inventory. What I see pictured here is very good. Regards. Michaelson

Post by **Ken** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 1:49 pm

Well I am quite pleased with my new old Indy suitcases...

I bought them off ebay reecently and am avidly awaiting their arrival!

Ken

Magnum · Post by **Magnum** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 4:35 pm

I'm afraid I don't have $1000 to buy one of those fine suitcases, so are there any stores that sell similar cases cheaper (much cheaper) either new or used? Thanks.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 4:43 pm

Start wandering around antique stores in your area. You'll find these everywhere, costing anywhere from $15 and up, depending on condition. I've seen a LOT in my recent ramblings. Regards. Michaelson

Post by **Ken** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 4:46 pm

Yeah the ones I got on ebay only cost me the equivalent of a few books. I know they aren't as nice as the other ones you are talking about but they are actually from the 1930s so adds a degree of authenticity to them. I would check ebay if I were you.

Ken

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 4:52 pm

...if yours are made of leather, use some Pecards on them. It does WONDERS on the outside of old leather suitcases too! (grins) Did on mine! Regards. Michaelson

Post by **Ken** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 6:45 pm

Hey thats a good idea. It will have to be Letap though! Sorry not trying to make you jealous or anything Michaelson. In truth I ordered some months ago but it never came so I should be able to pick it up next week when I am down in London.

Ken

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Fri Jan 17, 2003 3:03 pm

My second suitcase came in today.

This one came to me from England.

Slightly different style than the first but interesting none the less.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Jan 17, 2003 3:13 pm

Why'd it have to be Letap??!! Dang, you're right, I AM jealous!

You lucky dog! High regards. Michaelson

Post by **Ken** » Fri Jan 17, 2003 8:40 pm

I'm sorry Michaelson. If I ever find away of sending you some so that it doesnt explode in transit rest assured I will. Maybe somewhere else sells it in a jelly form. Will keep my eyes open.

Ken

Indy's Suitecase?

Indy's Suitecase?

Re: Indy's Suitecase?

Just a note

Sure

Just as a suggestion....

LETAP!!!!!!