Briefcase Appreciation thread

[Arsig]

Beautiful job. Well done. How did you come by yours? And how old do you think these are? And I envy you of having a key

 

[My63]

I think that one came from a well known auction site I became a little obsessed with Pendragon they have a very interesting history starting off as a T B colony making Papworth travel goods brand name Pendragon. Who were eventually taken over by Swaine Aideny Brigg unless I have misread the history of the company.
The above picture shows my current collection that are awaiting restoration one of which I have started and I also have another I have just finished.. Yep I am obsessed I did have a grand plan to sell them but I am not very good at that

These locks are still hand made in the UK I am pretty sure I can get a key cut if not I can cut an old key to fit the lock for you if you would like one. Just send me a message.

 

[Arsig]

Now that is interesting. You seem to have a nice collection going on there. Prolly different years based on the type of locks. Yes I would sure appreciate a key for mine if you can furnish one. Do you think there a "one" to fit them all? Anyhow I´m rewatching the old movie "Fahrenheit 451" and despite it´s "retro-future" one of the key actors walks around with a Pendragon (although a darker version) see pics. Thought you might enjoy a look. If you want to furnish me with a key you can connect on FB: https://www.facebook.com/arsig

 

[My63]

Working out the age is very difficult as these cases have evolved slowly over the years even the locks have not changed much mine have the three position lock and yours has the single position one. Those two choices are still available today along with a square version. The locks are very simple single lever locks and the keys are just as simple the key in my first picture is one that I made myself. I bought a new lock when I made my new case here are all of the components laid out on the leather ready to start detail cutting and assembly.




There is one small clue to date some cases the handle usually has a metal liner but I have found one which has a wood liner I presume this might be a war years case when metal would not have been available





This is the inside of a handle the round section at the end holds a metal sleeve to allow the handle to rotate on the posts. I took me some time to work out how these are wrapped in leather but I did get there in the end..

I never intended to start a collection I started leatherwork as part of a physical therapy programme recovering from an accident much like the original Papworth organisation helping those T B sufferers to recover so I am not a professional I just have lots of time.. There is a lot more detail on my blog but I don't know if I am allowed to mention it here. I am sorry to say I don't use facebook I do have some old keys that can be cut to lock your case if you want an original key I will approach the manufacturer and ask if a key can be bought individually a new lock is only £30 + postage so I cant see a key being that much

I am not sure who made the case in your pictures but I am pretty sure I have seen that style of lock somewhere maybe earlier in this thread

 

[My63]

If anyone is interested in how far a restoration can go I thought I would share the pictures of the case I have just finished.





This case has two dividers so to be a little different I turned one around and added a high quality brass zip to form a padded pocket for a laptop or tablet.




Not content with adding the pocket I also replaced the torn gusset panel and made a shoulder strap

.

Here are the components ready for the cognac suede lining there was a small tear in the front panel by the hasp which I repaired by thinning down the leather and adding a backing piece.








I used a Barbour waxed linen thread and hand stitched the whole case back together








Finished and good for another 50 years
Thanks for looking
Michael

 

[Arsig]

Very impressive. You have taken it to a whole new level. Congratulations on a really fine restoration

 

[chev4x4]

He is doing another run of his classic briefcase in Sedgwick Australian nut or London Tan.

 

[My63]



That really is a stunning piece of work it is like a piece of art. The price is very reasonable too I have made one from scratch and the components are very expensive.

 

[My63]

I mentioned earlier that one of my reasons for doing restorations was to learn how the cases were made. I have wanted such a case for many years so I built up the necessary parts while buying other items until all I needed was the English Bridle leather as Sedgewicks was recommended by the supplier that was what I bought. Abbey England supplied everything for this project.
Buying all of the items together was cost prohibitive for me so after six months I had everything necessary.

The first cut was the hardest after that it was a deep breath before each cut.

Here are all of the components laid out ready for detail cutting and lining then assembly

Those of you who are interested may ask why the green thread that is actually a hint to the inner lining which is green suede.

You may also notice there are a few stitches out of line but everything including the stitching was done by hand and one of mine does not work too well so I had to keep stopping and every restart can be seen which is a shame but I still think it is great.

So when I say hats off to masters such as Ray Clark I know how hard they are to make.

I am sorry if this post is in the wrong place.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone.

 

[Jr Mouse]

Looks great for a first attempt! Very impressive that you pulled that off. Hats off to you.

Is that the London Tan?

 

[My63]

Thanks Jr Mouse Yes it is indeed London Tan English bridle leather I had restored and sold a Pendragon case which I really liked. Fortunately I had taken a pattern from it so I was able to make the one shown above.

At this time I have no plans to make another and to be honest with the price that you can buy them for I prefer to continue with the restorations I am considering opening an Etsy store in the new year to sell the restored cases.

 

[Jr Mouse]



​
Thanks Jr Mouse Yes it is indeed London Tan English bridle leather I had restored and sold a Pendragon case which I really liked. Fortunately I had taken a pattern from it so I was able to make the one shown above.

At this time I have no plans to make another and to be honest with the price that you can buy them for I prefer to continue with the restorations I am considering opening an Etsy store in the new year to sell the restored cases.

Do it! That would be really interesting to see and I bet there is a market for it.

 

[My63]



Do it! That would be really interesting to see and I bet there is a market for it.

Thanks for the support I made two last year and I sold both of them through another forum. I try to keep the prices as low as possible and there is not a great deal of profit in each one compared to the amount of time they take to restore. So passing a percentage to Etsy does not really appeal to me.

 

[Equus Leather]



Do it! That would be really interesting to see and I bet there is a market for it.

I also imagine there is. Very difficult to charge for the amount of time a good restoration takes though!

 

[My63]

I also imagine there is. Very difficult to charge for the amount of time a good restoration takes though!

You are quite right finding the right price is very difficult my leather work is part of my physiotherapy following an accident some years ago.
I still believe my work has value and I take great care to ensure it is of a high standard. The first two sold for around £300 sterling which I am quite happy with. I have only advertised the third one on the two fountain pen forums I frequent and although there has been some interest it has not sold even after price reduction..I thought I would look at other options like Etsy or Ebay I have a blog but don't have a web site as most of the things I make are custom pen cases.