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VINTAGE ANTIQUE SAMSONITE SHWAYDER LUGGAGE SUITCASE

This auction features a Samsonite Shwayder Brothers,Inc. rusty red colored suitcase, style number 4935. The label inside the suitcase says Samsonite Luggage, Shwayder Bros., Inc. Denver. The history of the company explains how a suitcase this old could still be in such awesome and usable condition. Jesse Shwayder prided himself on a product that could withstand a great deal of travel under abusive circumstances. Samonsite was introduced in 1941 and was named for the biblical Samson who was known for his great strength. "Samsonite Streamlite luggage was tapered in shape and was made by covering a wooden frame with vulcanised fibre upon which a rawhide effect was lithographed." This gave the illusion that the suitcase was made of leather.  Samsonite Website This particular suitcase is divided into two sides with snaps to keep the separators in place. Three out of the four snaps are in place and are still easily snapped. The suitcase could be locked but the key is missing. The inside is pretty clean except for a small spot on one side that could have been ink and a pencil mark that looks like someone's name. On the other side the hanger catch is present and intact. There is also a stain on this side that could probably be lifted with a little baking soda and water. The support straps and bar on this side are connected and in great condition. The shine and gold of the metal pieces on the outside has been worn away, and the covers for the two outside latches are missing. The handle is worn from regular use. There is an impression mark of a square on the outside that must have been left by a label or sticker. The outside is scuffed and scratched from use. Despite these blemishes, this suitcase measuring approximately 17" x 24" x 6" and weighing approximately 11.5 lbs, would serve a present day adventurer on his or her travels just as excellently as it obviously did nearly half a century ago.THE JESSE SHWAYDER STORY"In 1910, the Samsonite story began in Denver, Colorado, with the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company. Jesse Shwayder's founding goal was simple: to produce and sell an uncommonly well-made trunk that would stand up to the most rigorous travel, originally including the Gold Rush. Shwayder started with only ten employees and one basic product (trunks and inexpensive hand luggage) marketed in the western United States. About this time, Jesse had a picture taken which was to become the company's trademark, and which was used in most of the direct-mail circulars. It was a picture of Jesse, his father and three of his brothers, representing close to 1,000 pounds (500 kg), standing on a plank supported by a Shwayder carrying case. The company's success was due to a policy of making products which met the retailer's needs. Jesse reasoned that the case was different from competitors' cases, better and more attractive - and so would not have to compete on price. It could be sold on its own merits."  Samsonite Website  

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