Swaine Adeney case colour

[kolecho]

I am planning to get a strap around document case from Swaine Adeney. They have several colours like London tan, chestnut, havana as far as I know.

Which colour is the most natural looking for bridle leather such that it takes on patina well over time?

 

[Artisan Fan]

I would personally go for a dark brown color since that goes with so much and often ages gracefully...

 

[kolecho]

Here is the design I am interested in:

Here is what chestnut bridle looks like after some years of use:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

 

[medwards]

I have that case in London Tan (as pictured) and have been exceptionally pleased with it. I believe RJman has it in black leather. I will say that it looks quite nice regardless of colour...so it is really just a question of personal preference.

 

[AlanC]

I would vote for a brown as well, probably the London tan. RJman's black case is indeed quite handsome, however.

I have the Atlas version of the wraparound in natural tan belting; had my budget allowed I would have gotten the case you pictured.

 

[montecristo#4]

I think London tan is the classic color. Excellent choice on the model. I love that case.

 

[Trilby]

I would go with the tan - I think it's the best looking colour in bridle leather. Looks good from day one and only gets better with age.

 

[kolecho]

Originally Posted by medwards

I have that case in London Tan (as pictured) and have been exceptionally pleased with it. I believe RJman has it in black leather. I will say that it looks quite nice regardless of colour...so it is really just a question of personal preference.

Do the straps have to be fastened to close the case, or would the brass lock in the centre be good enough to keep it fastened? I am concerned that it is quite cumbersome to open two straps and a brass fastener everytime I need to get something out.

What is your experience?

 

[kabert]

I've got one of the semi-solid frame models in London Tan and have used it daily for about 2 years. Personally I think it's rather conversative and "quiet"; however, I guess great leather, quite a bit of visible stitching, and serious-looking brassware say something, because I get a surprising number of "nice briefcase" comments. You can't go wrong with any color, but if you're looking for patina, you'll need a lighter color of brown.

 

[medwards]

Originally Posted by kolecho

Do the straps have to be fastened to close the case, or would the brass lock in the centre be good enough to keep it fastened? I am concerned that it is quite cumbersome to open two straps and a brass fastener everytime I need to get something out.

What is your experience?

While the brass lock would generally be sufficient to keep the case closed, if not fastened the straps will just hang down. While I'm not good at finding the words to describe it, this would include the ends with the buckles as well as the other ends...meaning you have four dangling ends.

 

[LabelKing]

There seems to be a fair amount of these document-styled cases in vintage.

The vintage ones have a lovely patina, and have somewhat slimmer proportions.

 

[AlanC]

Originally Posted by medwards

While the brass lock would generally be sufficient to keep the case closed, if not fastened the straps will just hang down. While I'm not good at finding the words to describe it, this would include the ends with the buckles as well as the other ends...meaning you have four dangling ends.

I believe RJman may have removed his straps for daily use, fwiw.

 

[kolecho]

I think the straps coupled with brass lock could be a bit of a nuisance to use.

Perhaps it is best to have it with straps and no brass lock, or get a document case with brass lock only (like the one below). However this one does not look quite as rugged as the strap around one, although I am sure it will last just as long (like a lifetime

).

 

[kitonbrioni]

You might get a lighter color new and let it take on a unique character and patina overtime.

 

[kolecho]

Agreed on light colour option (probably London Tan), but still scratching my head over which design. I like the strapped one but am concerned about whether it is practical for everyday use.