What defines a Victorian gentlemans suitcase?

Victorian gentlemens suitcases were rigid leather travel containers designed to hold personal belongings and grooming accessories during railway or steamer voyages. They featured durable hide exteriors, heavy brass latches, hand-stitched seams, and often customized interior fittings.

What materials were used in 19th-century luggage construction?

These pieces were typically constructed from thick bridle leather or hide stretched over a wooden or hardened board core. Hardware was made from cast brass or steel locks, while interiors were lined with silk, velvet, linen, or fine pigskin.

How can authentic Victorian leather luggage be identified?

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-stitched edging, heavy brass lever locks often stamped with maker marks or patent dates, and age-appropriate surface patination across the leather. Stencilled or painted initials belonging to former owners are also common indicators of late 19th-century origin.

How can a vintage leather suitcase be styled in a modern interior?

A vintage leather suitcase can be placed at the foot of a bed, stacked alongside side tables, or positioned in an empty alcove to add structural texture. It functions as both a decorative accent and concealed storage for household textiles.

What is the correct method for maintaining antique leather?

Maintain antique leather by keeping it away from direct heat sources and moisture to prevent drying or mould formation. Applying a specialized leather conditioner sparingly preserves the flexible structure and prevents cracking along stress points.

for sale €369 $400

£315

Lincoln Restorations

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Vintage Leather Fitted Gentleman’s Suitcase C.antrobus Attributed to Finnegans of Bond Street London Victorian C1880

Name: Vintage Leather Fitted Gentleman’s Suitcase C.antrobus Attributed to Finnegans of Bond Street London Victorian C1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1052046
Price: 315 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Lincoln Restorations

Description

Vintage Gentlemans Leather Fitted Suitcase .

*Suitcase stand not included but may be available upon request*

A high quality and unusual antique leather suitcase.

We are delighted to be able to offer to you this excellent original condition late Victorian C1880-1900 solid leather Gentleman's travel suitcase. We believe that this case was made by the maker Finnegans of bond street London from the construction and quality, however, there is no makers name present. The suitcase has the words 'C. ANTROBUS' hot stamped into the top which is the name of the original owner which this suitcase was made for. We believe that this suitcase could have been made for Cecil Hugh Antrobus or Charles Alexander Antrobus. Both of these men were Captains in the first world war and were killed in action in 1915 as per the Brass memorial plaque in Eaton, Cheshire.

High commanding officers in the military would have had a few suitcases, this one would have likely been for toiletries, cleaning and writing home to loved ones. Inside this rare suitcase is fully lined in green polished calfskin leather and is fully fitted inside for holding various items. The lower holster can be removed and is made to stand up on its own and is even complete with a small chrome handle which tucks into the binder for carrying the holster. Inside this suitcase remains 3 bone handled soft brushes for cleaning formal clothes and 1 Inkwell which are all original items to the case.

This Lovely suitcase is made from the finest solid supple leather inside and out, complete with reinforcement stitches, leather carry handle and chrome plated latching locks complete with original working key . The suitcase is very sturdy and does not sag in the centre like most vintage suitcases. This luggage is ideal to be used as a coffee table, vintage/retro chest for storage or just be used as a room decor/blanket chest. A piece of glass could be made to fit the top to make it into the perfect vintage coffee table whilst protecting the leather (enquire and we can quote for this).

We have just cleaned and waxed this suitcase to give it a lustrous natural sheen and preserve and nourish the leather and protect this fine item for many more years to come.

Please note this item is in very good condition for its age but does have obvious damage here and there, however, we feel that adds to the charm of the item with it being vintage. Also note, we believe that the handle has been repaired at some stage, however, it is a very old repair which is strong and does not effect its use.

Also note, the suitcase stand is not included in the sale however may be available upon request.

Dimensions

External size

Height: 215mm

Width: 670mm

Depth: 445mm

Delivery

*Insured courier normally around £60 for this item - Enquire for accurate quote*

Physical Dimensions

Height

21cm (8.27")

Width

67cm (26.38")

Depth

44cm (17.32")

Declaration

Lincoln Restorations has dated this Victorian Leather Gentleman Suitcase to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1052046

Dealers Notes

To place an order with us or see the services we offer, please visit our website.

To find an item quickly on our website, use the selling antiques item number (omitting the SA) in the search bar at the top of the page on our website.

- www.lincolnrestorations.co.uk -

Description

Vintage Gentlemans Leather Fitted Suitcase .

Suitcase stand not included but may be available upon request*

A high quality and unusual antique leather suitcase.

“

We are delighted to be able to offer to you this excellent original condition late Victorian C1880-1900 solid leather Gentleman's travel suitcase.

Lincoln Restorations

We believe that this case was made by the maker Finnegans of bond street London from the construction and quality, however, there is no makers name present. The suitcase has the words 'C. ANTROBUS' hot stamped into the top which is the name of the original owner which this suitcase was made for. We believe that this suitcase could have been made for Cecil Hugh Antrobus or Charles Alexander Antrobus. Both of these men were Captains in the first world war and were killed in action in 1915 as per the Brass memorial plaque in Eaton, Cheshire.

fig 1. A rectangular chestnut brown leather suitcase with brass slide latches, a central leather handle, and black stencilled lettering reading C. ANTROBUS. — fig 1. Vintage Leather Fitted Gentleman’s Suitcase C.antrobus Attributed to Finnegans of Bond Street London Victorian C1880

High commanding officers in the military would have had a few suitcases, this one would have likely been for toiletries, cleaning and writing home to loved ones. Inside this rare suitcase is fully lined in green polished calfskin leather and is fully fitted inside for holding various items. The lower holster can be removed and is made to stand up on its own and is even complete with a small chrome handle which tucks into the binder for carrying the holster. Inside this suitcase remains 3 bone handled soft brushes for cleaning formal clothes and 1 Inkwell which are all original items to the case.

fig 2. A rectangular chestnut brown leather suitcase with brass slide latches, a central leather handle, and black stencilled lettering reading C. ANTROBUS. — fig 2. Vintage Leather Fitted Gentleman’s Suitcase C.antrobus Attributed to Finnegans of Bond Street London Victorian C1880

This Lovely suitcase is made from the finest solid supple leather inside and out, complete with reinforcement stitches, leather carry handle and chrome plated latching locks complete with original working key . The suitcase is very sturdy and does not sag in the centre like most vintage suitcases. This luggage is ideal to be used as a coffee table, vintage/retro chest for storage or just be used as a room decor/blanket chest. A piece of glass could be made to fit the top to make it into the perfect vintage coffee table whilst protecting the leather (enquire and we can quote for this).

fig 3. A rectangular chestnut brown leather suitcase with brass slide latches, a central leather handle, and black stencilled lettering reading C. ANTROBUS. — fig 3. Vintage Leather Fitted Gentleman’s Suitcase C.antrobus Attributed to Finnegans of Bond Street London Victorian C1880

We have just cleaned and waxed this suitcase to give it a lustrous natural sheen and preserve and nourish the leather and protect this fine item for many more years to come.

Please note this item is in very good condition for its age but does have obvious damage here and there, however, we feel that adds to the charm of the item with it being vintage. Also note, we believe that the handle has been repaired at some stage, however, it is a very old repair which is strong and does not effect its use.