Craig Margolis
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2015
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While a frequent reader -- this is my first posting -- but thought I would chime in with a review of a newly minted briefcase that was made for me by Joe Marcellino in his workshop in New York. I am a fan of leather briefcases and have long had and very much enjoy a piece from Saddleback Leather Co. While it is rugged and has looked and worn fabulously, I was in the market for something a bit lighter and more refined in the style of a traditional bridle leather English briefcase. However, being in Washington, DC with only occasional business trips to the UK, I thought it was prudent to canvass potential makers in the US rather than rely solely on English makers -- which led me to Joe Marcellino. As I understand it, Joe makes his pieces to order by hand in his own workshop. He has a fabulous website (www.jpmarcellino.com) where he displays his pieces. Also, importantly, he offers many options for customization, which leads me to the bag that he made for me.
It is a custom variant of the Dalton small bag (shown on website here: http://www.jpmarcellino.com/collect...on-maple-brown-calf-lining?variant=1131000455). The bag as shown is in a smaller size. I asked him to increase to a full size bag (I am an attorney and need to be able to carry legal-sized papers), to keep the bag color solely to "London Tan," to change the liner from calfskin to suede, and to do a few custom additions (newspaper pocket, pen pocket on inside).
The process could not have been easier. I reached out by email to Joe who worked with me on refining the order, which he then set up as "custom" in the ordering system. I received the bag earlier than expected, and Joe gave me a heads up on the shipment before it left so I knew to expect it. From order to receipt only took two weeks (which I consider to have been extremely fast for a custom order).
The bag itself feels, looks, and smells fantastic. Bridle leather on the outside, soft suede on the inside. I was unused to a English key lock, so it took me a few tries to get the use of the lock down, but believe I have it now. There are helpful videos on Joe's site on the proper use.
Obviously can't yet tell you how the bag will hold up or wear with time, but from first impressions, it appears to be a great, refined bag and a terrific value -- particularly as compared to the English makers.
Here are a few photos. Not professional, to be sure, but I have tried to capture from several angles. I was looking for a lighter, single gusset bag, but there are as likely as many different options and styles as you have the imagination to dream up.
Hope this is helpful to the members and glad I was able to contribute. Craig
Here is a helpful storage sack that comes with the bag
A view of the bag from the front. Personal preference, but I was happy to see an absence of logos or the like.
This is a view of the side and back, showing the newspaper pocket
Here are a couple of photos of the inside, showing the suede liner and the only makers mark on the bag -- a discreet imprint on the inside flap.
It is a custom variant of the Dalton small bag (shown on website here: http://www.jpmarcellino.com/collect...on-maple-brown-calf-lining?variant=1131000455). The bag as shown is in a smaller size. I asked him to increase to a full size bag (I am an attorney and need to be able to carry legal-sized papers), to keep the bag color solely to "London Tan," to change the liner from calfskin to suede, and to do a few custom additions (newspaper pocket, pen pocket on inside).
The process could not have been easier. I reached out by email to Joe who worked with me on refining the order, which he then set up as "custom" in the ordering system. I received the bag earlier than expected, and Joe gave me a heads up on the shipment before it left so I knew to expect it. From order to receipt only took two weeks (which I consider to have been extremely fast for a custom order).
The bag itself feels, looks, and smells fantastic. Bridle leather on the outside, soft suede on the inside. I was unused to a English key lock, so it took me a few tries to get the use of the lock down, but believe I have it now. There are helpful videos on Joe's site on the proper use.
Obviously can't yet tell you how the bag will hold up or wear with time, but from first impressions, it appears to be a great, refined bag and a terrific value -- particularly as compared to the English makers.
Here are a few photos. Not professional, to be sure, but I have tried to capture from several angles. I was looking for a lighter, single gusset bag, but there are as likely as many different options and styles as you have the imagination to dream up.
Hope this is helpful to the members and glad I was able to contribute. Craig
