French Vintage Suitcase 1950s

I didn’t truly appreciate this when I first saw it. It was at the back of a cupboard, but when I pulled it out I discovered its authentic charm.

The suitcase is charming – there is no questioning that, but the real gem for me is in the tag. Check out the other photos here!

Let’s start by taking closer look at the suitcase. It is a beige plaid cardboard suitcase with brown trim manufactured by Atlas. There are marks on it, but overall the condition is great. There is some rust on the clasps and hinges, but they immediately clicked open even after all their time left untouched. A sign of the quality of this suitcase is that the inside lining is still attached! This case was previously owned by a French woman who is still alive at 100 years of age and still living in the same village. We know a little bit about her because we bought her house. Above the handle there is a very small embossed “Brevete S.G.D.G”. This is interesting as it was a French government patent marking that ceased to exist in 1968. The name was a common abbreviation for “Breveté Sans Garantie Du Gouvernement“ (patent without government guarantees).

The suitcase still has the Air France boarding tag for Ajjacio attached from the 1960s, which adds an air of nostalgia and retro glamour. This is what makes it so special for me, It is not a tag added for effect, this is the real deal. A French 1950s suitcase which as used by a lovely lady who went on an adventure probably in the 1960s.

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