What to do with a scuffed up old SAB attaché?

A tenant of my mini storage facility stopped paying (I think he may have passed away) so I had the manager cleaned out the unit and I went through the stuff and I found an old Peal & Co. briefcase...amazingly it had the keys and the original tags which say "Hand Made and Hand Sewn" The green leather interior is near perfect but the outside is badly scratched and scuffed. It is perfectly functional just well used.

I am not sure what to do with it...I really like the case but I do not see there being much I can do to improve its looks apart from shoe polish which for obvious reasons is not an option. I work in a professional business environment...and while I think it looks better than what most people carry they might not.

Would it look funny to wear perfectly polished shoes and a beat up old leather case?

Post pictures, advice will follow

Pictures

Send it to me and I will keep it for a small fee.

How much do you want for it?

Beat up or not, that looks great.

Hit it with leather conditioner like Lexol or something, should make it look a lot better.

Before doing anything to the case, I'd strongly suggest that you make a good-faith effort to get in touch with his executors or relatives, if he's passed away--or at least hold on to it without doing anything to it for a few months, to let them have a chance to discover that he had things in storage and get in touch with you if they wish.

I realise that you no doubt have no legal obligation to do this, but something like a much-used SAB case might be a family heirloom, or at least saved to pass on to someone, and it would be a shame not to give it this opportunity.

If and when you do decide to give it some cosmetic work, I'd suggest getting in touch with distinctive, who'd probably know just what to do!

Originally Posted by harvey_birdman

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How much do you want for it?

Beat up or not, that looks great.

Very much agreed. When I read the OP I was expecting it to be really gouged or sliced from stuff piled on it, but that looks great... a very little bit of leather care would clean it up to a nicely worn in, cool look. I'd carry it anywhere. Nice find.

I am not interested in his relatives...he has not paid in months...I do not know definitely that he is dead all I know is that he owes me money and that none one has come forward to pay his debts.

I'll buy it. PM me if you want to sell it.

If I decide to sell it I will let you guys know. I definitely need to take better pictures though.

Would it look bad if I used this briefcase with perfectly polished shoes and dressy business casual attire?

Originally Posted by SirWilliam

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Would it look bad if I used this briefcase with perfectly polished shoes and dressy business casual attire?

it would, so sell it to me, problem solved

Originally Posted by clee1982

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it would, so sell it to me, problem solved

How much is it worth to you?

Originally Posted by SirWilliam

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Would it look bad if I used this briefcase with perfectly polished shoes and dressy business casual attire?

I wouldn't carry it with business attire until it has seen a little love, but agree it will look great after getting hit with some conditioner and polish. Oh, and I envy you. I have never had perfectly polished shoes after their first wear.