Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Moderators: Mike, Cajunkraut, Tennessee Smith
- Mitch LaRue
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 3147
- Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:41 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
For a while now I’ve been on the lookout for a cool, vintage-style (or actual antique) suitcase to have as part of my Indy Collection either as a display item (especially if it’s in rough shape) and/or to use on occasion for actual travel…
I’m sure I don’t have to tell those of you that are keen to collect something similar that it can be tough to find something that’s
an actual antique
AND
reasonably priced
AND
looks good on the outside
AND
isn’t torn up or growing mold on the INside
… usually you find you’ve got to give up (at least) one of these things when shopping (online or in person) for this sort of Indy-ish item.
So, I was pretty pleased when I picked up this nice piece of luggage at the start of this past weekend.
Strangely, it had been a few months since I’d been looking online for such a suitcase… I was on my lunch break and sitting in front of my computer when I suddenly had an impulse from out of nowhere to look up “antique (or vintage) suitcase” once again.
The seller had place an ad calling it an “antique reproduction”. I immediately sent him an e-mail and he replied a short time later. It turned out that he lived only a block or two out of my way from my regular route home. I stopped by after work on Friday and did my best job of playing it cool when he brought it out to show me (hope I didn’t push the cash into his hand TOO hard before I beat a hasty retreat out of there!)
The fella selling it made it clear that he’d only ever used it a few times for travelling and afterwards just kept it in one of the rooms in his house as a cool, decorative piece. He also said he’d paid a lot more FOR it than what he was now asking for it (said his wife wanted it gone because they were re-decorating the room and “it was taking up space”) …Luck was with me! He even mentioned that he’d had the ad posted for several weeks and I was the first to reply to it!
It had a good layer of dust on it, mind you… but once I got it home and spent a couple of hours wiping it down and giving the dry leather a nice even application of Pecard Leather Dressing, the hide really began to get some “life” back in it. I also gave the inside a little vacuuming, but it seemed almost unnecessary. The inside looked almost untouched and seemed completely dust-free.
I’ve included photos below (apologies in advance for my attempt to create and arty/moody IndyGear shot… I know what I was trying to capture, but my camera just doesn’t seem interested in co-operating in low lighting.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9088-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9094-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9071-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9109-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9114-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9224-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I’m really happy with this suitcase… It’s a well-constructed and sturdy leather piece that has a nice, adventurous “feel” to it…
“and I even like the color”
I’m sure I don’t have to tell those of you that are keen to collect something similar that it can be tough to find something that’s
an actual antique
AND
reasonably priced
AND
looks good on the outside
AND
isn’t torn up or growing mold on the INside
… usually you find you’ve got to give up (at least) one of these things when shopping (online or in person) for this sort of Indy-ish item.
So, I was pretty pleased when I picked up this nice piece of luggage at the start of this past weekend.
Strangely, it had been a few months since I’d been looking online for such a suitcase… I was on my lunch break and sitting in front of my computer when I suddenly had an impulse from out of nowhere to look up “antique (or vintage) suitcase” once again.
The seller had place an ad calling it an “antique reproduction”. I immediately sent him an e-mail and he replied a short time later. It turned out that he lived only a block or two out of my way from my regular route home. I stopped by after work on Friday and did my best job of playing it cool when he brought it out to show me (hope I didn’t push the cash into his hand TOO hard before I beat a hasty retreat out of there!)
The fella selling it made it clear that he’d only ever used it a few times for travelling and afterwards just kept it in one of the rooms in his house as a cool, decorative piece. He also said he’d paid a lot more FOR it than what he was now asking for it (said his wife wanted it gone because they were re-decorating the room and “it was taking up space”) …Luck was with me! He even mentioned that he’d had the ad posted for several weeks and I was the first to reply to it!
It had a good layer of dust on it, mind you… but once I got it home and spent a couple of hours wiping it down and giving the dry leather a nice even application of Pecard Leather Dressing, the hide really began to get some “life” back in it. I also gave the inside a little vacuuming, but it seemed almost unnecessary. The inside looked almost untouched and seemed completely dust-free.
I’ve included photos below (apologies in advance for my attempt to create and arty/moody IndyGear shot… I know what I was trying to capture, but my camera just doesn’t seem interested in co-operating in low lighting.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9088-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9094-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9071-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9109-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9114-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/M ... 9224-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I’m really happy with this suitcase… It’s a well-constructed and sturdy leather piece that has a nice, adventurous “feel” to it…
“and I even like the color”
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44486
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
HOMERUN!!!!!
- Mitch LaRue
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 3147
- Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:41 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Thank you, sir!
Like I said, I wanted one of these for a while (and it's a rare, "not strictly screen accurate, but ahhh... who cares?" acquisition for me)... Felt awfully good to get it.
Like I said, I wanted one of these for a while (and it's a rare, "not strictly screen accurate, but ahhh... who cares?" acquisition for me)... Felt awfully good to get it.
- nicktheguy
- Expeditionary Hero
- Posts: 1834
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:14 pm
- Location: Vancouver, Canada
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
So you're my secret santa next year right? That's so good of you to pick that up for me
- Oildale Jones
- Professor of Archaeology
- Posts: 774
- Joined: Fri Jul 01, 2011 11:58 pm
- Location: In my Backyard of Doom
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Outstanding!
- trdaggers
- Professor of Archaeology
- Posts: 997
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:44 pm
- Location: Cantonment, Florida USA
- Contact:
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Great find and great condition. I've been looking for one like that for a year with no luck. Nice Find!
Gailen
Gailen
- Dalexs
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9009
- Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2002 2:49 am
- Location: Jus' nath' of Bawstin
- Contact:
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Nicely done! I've been on the lookout for these for a number opf years, but can never come up with one that is in good enough condition and worth the price they're asking.
I often stumble upon them at the local fleas markets, not the "made in china" junk ones, but the ones where folks do it for a living and travel the circuit.
Folks are usually using them to transport their goods and when I start showing interest, they start coming up with all sorts of outlandish prices.
I often stumble upon them at the local fleas markets, not the "made in china" junk ones, but the ones where folks do it for a living and travel the circuit.
Folks are usually using them to transport their goods and when I start showing interest, they start coming up with all sorts of outlandish prices.
- Dr. Nebraska S.
- Moderator
- Posts: 5419
- Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:05 pm
- Location: Nebraska
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
What a great find!!! You really lucked out with this one--well done!
Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte
Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte
- lantzn
- Museum Curator
- Posts: 1622
- Joined: Thu Nov 06, 2008 4:29 pm
- Location: Washington State
- Contact:
Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Very nice!
I'm building my own steamer trunk since so many vintage one were made of thin pine planks that rotted over the years. I've tongue and grooved my planks and covered it in faux alligator leather. I just need to finish the assembly now.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35223822@N ... 536635382/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm building my own steamer trunk since so many vintage one were made of thin pine planks that rotted over the years. I've tongue and grooved my planks and covered it in faux alligator leather. I just need to finish the assembly now.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35223822@N ... 536635382/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
- Hollowpond
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 3834
- Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:52 pm
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Nice, nice, nice, nice, nice, nice and NICE!!!!!!
- trdaggers
- Professor of Archaeology
- Posts: 997
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:44 pm
- Location: Cantonment, Florida USA
- Contact:
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
lantzn: Your doing a beautiful job. Can't wait to see it when your finished.
Gailen
Gailen
- Tennessee Smith
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10583
- Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:47 pm
- Location: Everything we need is right here.
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
That is a beautiful piece!!!!
Awesome find
Awesome find
- Long John Tinfoil
- Professor of Archaeology
- Posts: 1003
- Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 12:27 am
- Location: Ubi sunt qui ante nos fuerunt
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Mitch,
That's a beauty. Funny how those sudden hunches or impulses seem to work...
Lantzn,
You do nice work, sir!
LJ
That's a beauty. Funny how those sudden hunches or impulses seem to work...
Lantzn,
You do nice work, sir!
LJ
- Mitch LaRue
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 3147
- Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:41 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Thanks very much, fellas... I'm very glad you like the suitcase!
lantzn, I have to add my voice to what the guys are saying... That steamer trunk is looking great and looks well on it's way to awesome! Please keep us posted on how things develop!
(Michaelson, I need to borrow the car for a minute)
lantzn, I have to add my voice to what the guys are saying... That steamer trunk is looking great and looks well on it's way to awesome! Please keep us posted on how things develop!
Dalexs, you'll probably hate me for saying this, but I'd rather you hear it from me than anyone else (and Gater'd likely tell on me at this year's F.L. Summit if he heard first), but I paid 85 bucks total for it.Dalexs wrote:Nicely done! I've been on the lookout for these for a number of years, but can never come up with one that is in good enough condition and worth the price they're asking ... when I start showing interest, they start coming up with all sorts of outlandish prices.
(Michaelson, I need to borrow the car for a minute)
- Dalexs
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9009
- Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2002 2:49 am
- Location: Jus' nath' of Bawstin
- Contact:
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Mitch, have you booked your room yet at Microtel? Whats the room number... No reason... just wonderingMitch LaRue wrote:...Dalexs, you'll probably hate me for saying this, but I'd rather you hear it from me than anyone else (and Gater'd likely tell on me at this year's F.L. Summit if he heard first), but I paid 85 bucks total for it.
(Michaelson, I need to borrow the car for a minute)
- Mitch LaRue
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 3147
- Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:41 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Hmmm... might have to ask Curator Rick if I can sleep in the barn!
- tgalahad
- Laboratory Technician
- Posts: 106
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2009 10:32 pm
- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Fantastic looking suitcase! May it serve you well on many adventures.
- auntsugar
- Dig Leader
- Posts: 423
- Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2002 8:57 pm
- Location: Back at the workbench....tinkering--always tinkering.
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Best vintage looking luggage I've ever seen!
- Indiana Jeff
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10212
- Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 1:59 am
- Location: TX Panhandle
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Wow, Mitch! Nice find. As other have already said, finding any kind of vintage style luggage (even newly made) is either falling apart (and still priced through the roof) or in great condition (and priced even higher than the roof).
So it's a 'reproduction,' any markings of a maker? What's it weigh? That's one of the downside of leather luggage, it weighs nearly as much as the clothes that would go in it!
Regards,
Indiana Jeff
So it's a 'reproduction,' any markings of a maker? What's it weigh? That's one of the downside of leather luggage, it weighs nearly as much as the clothes that would go in it!
Regards,
Indiana Jeff
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44486
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Sure thing. Just put the suit case in the trunk, then go stand over there by the wall while I turn the car around.Mitch LaRue wrote:(Michaelson, I need to borrow the car for a minute)
I'll be right back for you. Honest.
Regards! Michaelson
- Gater
- Expeditionary Hero
- Posts: 1899
- Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2003 10:28 am
- Location: Ottawa, Canada
- Contact:
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Aw Mitch, I wouldn't rat you out - besides, I already hooked myself up years ago(and Gater'd likely tell on me at this year's F.L. Summit if he heard first), but I paid 85 bucks total for it.
Last edited by Gater on Thu Feb 02, 2012 10:31 pm, edited 2 times in total.
- Mitch LaRue
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 3147
- Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:41 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
BEAUTIFUL!
(WOW!)
That's really something, Gater! VERY nice!
And THANKS again to the other fellas who've chimed in over the last couple of days with such nice compliments (AND threat of thievery... It flatters me deeply)
(WOW!)
That's really something, Gater! VERY nice!
And THANKS again to the other fellas who've chimed in over the last couple of days with such nice compliments (AND threat of thievery... It flatters me deeply)
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44486
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
"thievery"? Don't you mean flat out stealing?
- Long John Tinfoil
- Professor of Archaeology
- Posts: 1003
- Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 12:27 am
- Location: Ubi sunt qui ante nos fuerunt
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
We're recovering valuable artifacts! Maybe they should be in a museum!Michaelson wrote:"thievery"? Don't you mean flat out stealing?
And if Marcus won't pay for them... well, we'll hold them for safekeeping.
LJ
- Mitch LaRue
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 3147
- Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:41 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
I stand corrected.
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44486
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Well, ok.....I just plan on flat stealing the thing if given half the chance, but you pursue it your own way.Long John Tinfoil wrote:We're recovering valuable artifacts! Maybe they should be in a museum!Michaelson wrote:"thievery"? Don't you mean flat out stealing?
And if Marcus won't pay for them... well, we'll hold them for safekeeping.
LJ
- Gater
- Expeditionary Hero
- Posts: 1899
- Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2003 10:28 am
- Location: Ottawa, Canada
- Contact:
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Somebody get me Bink!
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44486
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Take 'em. He's yours!
Regards! Michaelson
Regards! Michaelson
- Gater
- Expeditionary Hero
- Posts: 1899
- Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2003 10:28 am
- Location: Ottawa, Canada
- Contact:
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
...it was that, or "assemble the usual scoundrels"
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Hey Mitch,
Very nice, would love to find one like that. Just curious, the top panel, that appears to be soft leather. Does that make the main compartment expandable, or is it a separate compartment?
later, Brian
Very nice, would love to find one like that. Just curious, the top panel, that appears to be soft leather. Does that make the main compartment expandable, or is it a separate compartment?
later, Brian
- Mitch LaRue
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 3147
- Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:41 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Hey guys,
Sorry it’s taken a few days to get around to answering these questions…
We’ve got one of those hand-held luggage scales with a hook for the handle (used to prevent going over designated weights on flight) so I gave it a lift: She weighs in a exactly 14 pounds. At first I was surprised, thinking that this seemed like a LOT considering that I thought it had felt reasonably light in my hand… but then I also weighted my regular piece of Samsonite luggage that was similar in size and it, too, weighed in at 14 pounds.
Cheers, guys.
Sorry it’s taken a few days to get around to answering these questions…
Hi Jeff. No, not a single marking to give a clue as to who made this piece. Good question (and observation) about the weight, though.Indiana Jeff wrote:So it's a 'reproduction,' any markings of a maker? What's it weigh? That's one of the downside of leather luggage, it weighs nearly as much as the clothes that would go in it!
We’ve got one of those hand-held luggage scales with a hook for the handle (used to prevent going over designated weights on flight) so I gave it a lift: She weighs in a exactly 14 pounds. At first I was surprised, thinking that this seemed like a LOT considering that I thought it had felt reasonably light in my hand… but then I also weighted my regular piece of Samsonite luggage that was similar in size and it, too, weighed in at 14 pounds.
It’s not a separate compartment, no. It’s probably best described as an additional panel that allows for extra space to pack… and yes, it seems to work quite nicely: I placed a very solid box into the suitcase that measured a bit taller than the overall “height” of the suitcase (when laid on it’s side) and when I closed it, the expandable panel did exactly that, pushing outward and allowing for the extra bulk inside of it… pretty cool.interbak wrote:Just curious, the top panel, that appears to be soft leather. Does that make the main compartment expandable, or is it a separate compartment?
Cheers, guys.
- twilekjedi
- Professor of Archaeology
- Posts: 1092
- Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:36 pm
- Location: If there's a bright center to the universe...
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
A very handsome looking case, that. Excellent find! Interesting that there's no label, though.
- Solent MKIII
- Museum Curator
- Posts: 1332
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2008 7:42 am
- Location: Sharing living space with a near-sighted scrap pile
Re: Indy-ish Vintage Look Suitcase
Very, very nice. I like the additional leather straps, too.