Review: Custom Leather Briefcase from J.P Marcellino

I have received my custom made briefcase from Joseph P. Marcellino. (Previously called Strong Eye Leather). All his bags are fully hand made and hand stitched. The whole briefcase is made of veg tanned leather from Herman Oak, except the inside divider. Here it's used chrome leather (lighter), and the top is finished with a 10 oz bridle strip for added support.

Fist I ordered a custom briefcase based on a picture of another briefcase and added some details to it, but it did not come out the way I expected. However, Joseph told me that he never wanted anyone to be the slightest dissatisfied with his briefcases and offered to make me a new briefcase instead. This time I took a briefcase design he already had made (John Locke), and I customized it to my liking, by adding a back newspaper pocket, a middle divider and inside pockets.

I am very pleased with the bag, this is one sturdy piece of craftsmanship. It seems like Joseph also liked it, because he added the custom briefcase design I ordered to his website.

Specs:
Chestnut veg bridle leather
16x12x2/2 (4")
chrome divider with bridle support strip (initials on right)
solid brass hardware with brass round lock and key
finished, burnished black edges
Top d rings, adjustable straps with shoulder pad
2 front removable buckle straps
Full Newspaper pocket with bottom strap holes
Custom dust cover




I also asked if he could take some pictures of the progress.


Edited by Rankiz - 10/19/12 at 7:24am

Here are some more pictures taken in my backyard.


With the shoulder strap attached:

The shoulder strap very sturdy compared to other briefcases I've seen, since it's stitched together by two leather pieces.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Joseph have agreed to give a 10% discount to all Styleforum members, PM me if you want the discount code.
I'm 19. Depends on how tall you are really, I'm 5'7 ft so I could have gone smaller, but it's all down to personal preference.
Edited by Rankiz - 10/20/12 at 7:40pm