Named after Samson, the strongest man in the biblical world, Samsonite became the most durable and the most popular travel cases of the 20th century. 

{HISTORY}

In the 1950s, this is how you traveled the world in pursuit of your next culinary adventure! 

Chances are, if you owned a piece of Samsonite luggage during any point in the 20th century, you'd be familiar with the name Shwayder Bros. Started by trunk repairman turned luggage maker Jesse Shwayder and his five brothers in 1910, Samsonite luggage became one of the most well-known brands of traveling cases in the world. 

In one of those one-thing-leads-to-another-stories that often spawns the start of legendary success, Jesse knew the luggage business from the ground up thanks to his trunk repair business. As he fixed pieces for clients, he got to see first-hand what popular trunks of the day were made of, how they were constructed, and how wear and tear affected them in the form of strength and weakness.  In response, Jesse started making his own trunks with improvements in design from notes he had taken while doing repair jobs. Jesse's handmade trunks turned out to be a vast improvement of what's currently available on the marketplace - both in function and quality of manufacture. Quickly gaining a reputation for building high-quality trunks, Jesse went into business with his brothers to create Samsonite Luggage. By the mid-1920s they were selling over a million pieces of high-quality travel cases a year. 

By the time this was set was made in the 1950s, Shwayder Bros was the largest producer of luggage in the world. A big believer n the Golden Rule, Jesse credited his success with treating people and luggage the way he wanted to be treated. He offered strong, well-made travel cases for a fair price and a pledge that they would withstand decades of travel and adventure. 

These two luggage pieces in the Saddle Tan shade (similar to terracotta) were made in the 1950s as part of Shwayder Bros Streamlite series - a lighter design of their original 1940s composition. The smaller case was known as the Quick Tripper (so fun!) with a jaunty plaid interior in orange and beige,  cloth ties to secure clothes, and a snappable interior cloth screen to keep all contents neat and tidy for a few days' travel. 

The larger case was known as the Two Suiter since it offered room enough to accommodate hangers, ties, suits, and shoes. The interior fabric is a smooth and soft beige cloth complete with elastic strap storage area (for ties) and snappable fabric screens separating both compartments. 

Vintage luggage is always a magical slice of life, bursting with nostalgia and excitement.  These two pieces come with a little extra zip... the original owner's initials (E.H.) on the exterior brass plate, straight pins can be found on the inside walls of both cases ( an intimate little look at someone's packing plan), and both cases come with their original keys - a rare find in the vintage luggage world. 

 {SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Matching set of two

- Samsonite Streamlite series

- Working locks with original keys

{CONDITION}

Overall these suitcases are in lovely vintage shape. There is some minimal light spotting in a few areas on the interior of each case, as expected with age and use. Likewise, there are errant scuff marks on the exterior of each case, adding character and an authentic aged patina. The keys work in both locks, all interior snaps are in working condition except one snap on the larger case is missing (please see photo). The plaid interior at the bottom is somewhat loose but still intact and there is a bit of loose wood slat inside the fabric that originally would have been secured to the fabric or the case. All handles and latches are strong and sturdy. Please see all photos. 

{SIZE}

The small case measures 21.25" (length) x 14.5" inches (width) x 7.5" inches (depth) and weighs 8.4lbs.

The larger case measures 24" inches (length) x 17" inches (width) x 8"inches (depth) and weighs 11.13lbs Together, these two pieces weighs 20lbs