Vintage 1950s Birkdale Tweed Suitcase by McBrine for Eaton's Canada Original Box Key Overnight Luggage
This is a wonderful vintage Canadian suitcase made by McBrine Baggage for Eaton's Birkdale luggage line, dating most likely to the 1950s or early 1960s. Remarkably, it has survived with its original McBrine shipping box, protective vinyl cover and original key.
The suitcase has a classic mid-century appearance, with a handsome brown, tan and cream tweed-patterned exterior complemented by dark brown corner trim, matching handle and polished metal hardware. A brass-coloured oval badge on the front reads "Birkdale Luggage."
The interior is beautifully fitted in rich brown fabric, with gathered elasticized pockets around three sides of the main compartment and a large gathered pocket inside the lid. It is exceptionally clean and appears to have seen very little use—perhaps only once, or possibly never at all. The exterior is similarly very clean, although the underside has some black marks consistent with storage or limited handling.
The suitcase retains both of its locking clasps and comes with its original key.
Particularly unusual is the survival of the original McBrine Baggage cardboard box, printed with the company's distinctive red and blue Around the World Baggage logo and identifying The L. McBrine Co. Limited of Kitchener, Canada. The box also retains an old shipping label from the T. Eaton Co. Limited Central Shipping Department in Toronto, providing a direct connection to Eaton's, for whom McBrine is known to have supplied luggage.
The original box has been extensively written and scribbled on in black marker and shows general wear from age and storage. Interestingly, an old handwritten notation on the box identifies the piece as an "overnight bag."
Also included is the original transparent vinyl protective cover. The cover is torn and deteriorated and is not in good condition, but it has been retained as part of the suitcase's remarkably complete original presentation.
Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1894 as a two man operation and officially as the McBrine Luggage Co in 1905, McBrine became one of Canada's important luggage manufacturers and produced travel goods for major retailers, including Eaton's. This suitcase is an especially appealing survivor not only for its excellent state of preservation but also for its original packaging, protective cover, key and documented Eaton's connection.
Condition: The suitcase itself is in excellent condition and is exceptionally clean inside and out, with only minor signs of age and storage. The underside has some black marks, as shown in the photographs. If the suitcase was ever used, it appears to have seen very little use. The original cardboard box has extensive black marker writing and other signs of age and storage. The original transparent vinyl cover is torn and deteriorated and is included for completeness.
Measurements:
Width: 18 inches
Height: 12 1/2 inches
Depth: 7 inches
A particularly complete piece of Canadian travel history and a wonderful example of mid-century luggage associated with two important Canadian names: McBrine and Eaton's.