Review: Custom Leather Briefcase from J.P Marcellino

[Rankiz]

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.

 

[ivanswk]

Nice , any more pic

thanks

 

[Rankiz]

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.

 

[Curated]

Wow - looks great!

 

[Rolf]

A very nice briefcase indeed. May I ask how old you are?

 

[Superfluous]

Is 16 inches a good size?

 

[Superfluous]

I just placed an order for a slightly wider version of their tan Adam Smith 1222. We'll see how it turns out and I'll report back.

 

[Curated]

.

 

[Rankiz]



I just placed an order for a slightly wider version of their tan Adam Smith 1222. We'll see how it turns out and I'll report back.

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.

A very nice briefcase indeed. May I ask how old you are?

I'm 19.

Is 16 inches a good size?

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.

 

[ivanswk]

amazing pic
pm me the discount please

 

[Kai]

That is a beautiful case.

 

[Septimus]

So, I'm thinking about getting a briefcase from J.P. Marcellino. Yours is gorgeous. Any follow-up thoughts or reviews after a few months? Also do you mind my asking what it cost (and asking for the SF members discount code)?

 

[unidlewild]

long time lurker here, just registered myself.After reading your review, I pulled the trigger on the Durkheim. I'll do a follow up review once I get my briefcase.

 

[Goliath27]

Sorry for the bump, but would you be able to post some pictures of the inside of this one?

I'm looking for a maker who can provide something with room for a laptop/paperwork/etc and some pen slots so they aren't just tossed around.

 

[JP Marcellino]

Sorry for the bump, but would you be able to post some pictures of the inside of this one?

I'm looking for a maker who can provide something with room for a laptop/paperwork/etc and some pen slots so they aren't just tossed around.

Here is a link to my website to see various types of inside Natural Lining and Pocket photos. I make a variety of slots, pockets, etc.

Here are some quick photos i have from an English Bridle briefcase i just finished where this one customer, a professional, that needed to holster a 1911 pistol in a briefcase. I made a basic slot holster from black bridle leather that is very good with metal and scratches, and i stitched this into the inside compartment so he could get right to it as he opened the bag. I will update this thread with more pictures soon. For now here is the holster and other pictures.