Briefcase purchase: London Tan or Chestnut?

[josepidal]

I have saved up for a new briefcase and want to take a bit of a plunge and get something in bridle leather. Would you recommend chestnut or london tan? I want an interesting color that ages well, hence am passing up the usual black or dark brown.

Also, how important is it for the case to have a padded laptop compartment? I was thinking it isn't, especially if you have thick bridle leather and parts of the case "jutting out" at the bottom and a natural cushion.

As a "dream" model (albeit out of reach), I was looking at the Swaine Adeney Brigg dispatch case kolecho posted about last year. The straps (if I can find such a model) don't appear to be troublesome since it would still close perfectly with the metal clasp.

Here's the dream case:

Chestnut:

London Tan:

 

[Jupiter]

Lovely case.

I was lucky enough to receive a Chesterford suitcase recently in London tan as a gift. It is beautiful, and have received many comments on it from airport officials and fellow passengers.

With respect to the color, you may find that London Tan is a little lighter than in looks on the website. By my eyes, it has a slight orange tinge to it. Of course, it will darken and gain more character with age.

Also, the SWB website currently has the case you have posted (Chesterfield) is currently ten percent off the regular price. As you are in the U.S., you may be able to also get the VAT off if they export it for you but this is a question for SWB.

Best of luck.

 

[Jupiter]

And Chestnut would be the color for me.

 

[TCN]

Chestnut unless it's a lid-over-body case, in which case I would probably go tan.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Definitely Chestnut. Looks stunning with age.

 

[josepidal]

Originally Posted by Jupiter

Also, the SWB website currently has the case you have posted (Chesterfield) is currently ten percent off the regular price.
Do they do seventy percent?

 

[jjl5000]

That is a beautiful briefcase. Unfortunately, the price is not so appealing.

 

[Ed355]

You should look out for Papworth briefcases on ebay or their factory shop. The leather is comparable to Swaine and the briefcases are probably cheaper by one-third. I have one in London tan and is very nice.

 

[nate10184]

I like both but agree the Chestnut will probably age better. Also the orange tint of london orange might clash with some outfits. Either way I'm jealous.

 

[NOLA1]

check out the swaine adeney brigg factory shop website. i'm debating the filson #252 and the SAB Document Case (81).

 

[luk-cha]

chestnut is the best i think! definatly more versitle IMO!

 

[Fabro]

Someday I would like to have that SAB dispatch bag. I've all the colours in the shop on St. James's St and IIRC I actually liked the Dark London Tan best.

 

[kolecho]

Both are fabulous colours. I think London tan ages nicer, while chestnut looks just right at the get go. In the end, go with what speaks to you.

Many who polled have probably never seen the colours you are asking about in the flesh. I would trust your own eyes and intuition rather than depend on this poll.

 

[teddieriley]

Originally Posted by josepidal

Do they do seventy percent?

Go for Chestnut. Although they are both great colors, I think the Chestnut would age very well, and I think the darker color may be more versatile.

 

[Gus]

I think chestnut is a bit more forgiving in that it hides stains better than tan when relatively new.