Gladstone Bag

A grained leather Gladstone Bag as opposed to a Kit Bag.

The bag follows the 1854 patent taken out by Cole Brothers for the Gladstone Bag. That it is to say that it splits into two equal halves with a dividing board to separate and contain your luggage in each part. The bottom section has belt straps to hold your clothing in.

The board is also held by straps and has a pocket which is almost the full size of the divider. The top of the board has a leather 'butterfly' shaped tab for pulling the board down to give access to the top section of the bag. There is a shadow mark for a now missing rectangular maker's label to the board.

The shaped handle is made of layers of thick leather hide and has a push button lock to either side of it. Below each lock is a shaped leather tab for pulling the case open. The case has two belt straps, each stamped 51 which probably refers to the length in inches. These are fixed to the bottom of the case and have belt loops to keep them in place. The bottom of the case has six domed stud feet to raise it of the ground. The initials H.A.S. are stamped to the front of the bag in black.

This bag is in good condition and still very usable today. Early to mid 20th Century.