Last week, when DH saw me lift the suitcase out of the trunk he yelled from the front steps. "You know, you can't take that one to Africa".
It was a piece of real luggage. No wheels or zippers, probably lined with sturdy silk or crisp printed cotton - no keys so haven't been able to look inside. The kind tucked carefully into the hold of the Pan Am Boeing 707-123 Clipper America on October 26, 1958 when the airline inaugurated transatlantic jet service from New York to Paris. The elegant owner in her tailored sheath dress, swing-back jacket, seamed nylons and high heeled, peep-toed sling backs, tucked her soft leather clutch under her arm, adjusted her pill box hat, and climbed the steps to the cabin.
1951 advertisement for the same Crown brand luggage.My first flight ever was from London to Washington, D.C. in 1962. Was I nervous, you bet! Was I excited, definitely. Those were the days when travel was truly a delight..............they certainly didn't toss the leather luggage about to be scratched, dented, scraped and worse.
Dear friend Vanessa offered me this vintage suitcase because she knew I'd love it being it was a faded French gray. It found a home on the armoire in the French inspired guest room, and on top, the pretty clock Vanessa gave me a year or so ago. Isn't it fabulous to have friends who know exactly what you love?
Edited 9:15 PM ~ After Marilyn at Delights of the Heart asked me if I was going to open the suitcase to see if there was anything inside.....I did! Nothing extra like $100,000 in cash, or a few pieces of diamond jewelry tucked in a pocket.................but look how pretty the lining fabric turned out to be, cream silky gathers and printed with the Tour Eiffel and Arc de Triomphe. Love it!!!!
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I love old suitcases used around the house! My friend uses them to store her old photos in. She has them stacked by her front door. They look great! Love yours with the clock on top. Vanessa knows you well!
ReplyDeleteAnna
Good Morning Mary,
ReplyDeleteVanessa certainly shares your very good taste and sense of style. The vignette is just lovely and I'm sure looks perfect in your guest room.
~Maggie~
My sister had beautiful pearly white circa 1960 Samsonite luggage. I borrowed the small weekender, to take to the hospital, when my oldest daughter was born, in 1964.
ReplyDeleteI love the ad.
It is perfect for you! I would be dying to look inside. I would probably take it to a lock smith. What if there is some wonderful treasure inside?
ReplyDeletexo
Penny
It is so special to have friends that know our style and what we like. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a splendid suitcase! And such a gorgeous color, too.
ReplyDeleteI have scads of vintage suitcases all over the house, I think I'm bordering on having a suitcase addiction of sorts! :-)
So nice to discover your lovely blog!
Anne
Love vintage and valentine's, but that suitcase with the clock inspires me. I have been wanting a clock like that, but hadn't thought to display it like that. Now I will be keeping my eyes open for a clock. Do you know what is in the locked suitcase. I bought an old trunk one time and their was a precious silk bag in it. Though it is very worn, I just love it.
ReplyDeleteAh yes Mary, I remember suitcase like that when I was a child and we traveled to Germany. They certainly don't make them like that anymore! Of course, people don't dress quite as nice anymore either when traveling! I still do, and I taught my daughter the same. I know you must be counting down the days till you go!
ReplyDeleteTake Care!!!!
Ulrike
Oh, just perfect. Yes, now for a trip to Paris. I am already dreaming again.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you opened it - I was dying to know what was inside. That lining is fabulous...love the Parisian theme.
ReplyDeleteMary, I had an entire set that I received for high school graduation. Sadly I gave it away years ago. Guess I thought is was just too heavy to use. Why wasn't I thinking out of the box then? Luggage can be used for lots of things other than for travel. This one is lobely!
ReplyDeleteI love your suitcase and the story about your first flight. The inside of the case is so gorgeous that I would want to find a way to use it opened at least some of the time.
ReplyDeleteOh my Gosh Mary!! How wonderful! I just love it had a French motif inside! It was definitely meant to be yours my dear. I love you and care much about you! You'll always be in my heart! Vanessa
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