{"product_id":"vintage-1950s-birkdale-tweed-suitcase-by-mcbrine-for-eatons-canada-original-box-key-overnight-luggage","title":"Vintage 1950s Birkdale Tweed Suitcase by McBrine for Eaton's Canada Original Box Key Overnight Luggage","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful vintage Canadian suitcase made by \u003cb\u003eMcBrine Baggage for Eaton's Birkdale luggage line\u003c\/b\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cb\u003e\"Birkdale Luggage.\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe suitcase retains both of its locking clasps and comes with its \u003cb\u003eoriginal key\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly unusual is the survival of the original \u003cb\u003eMcBrine Baggage\u003c\/b\u003e cardboard box, printed with the company's distinctive red and blue \u003ci\u003eAround the World Baggage\u003c\/i\u003e logo and identifying \u003cb\u003eThe L. McBrine Co. Limited of Kitchener, Canada\u003c\/b\u003e. The box also retains an old shipping label from the \u003cb\u003eT. Eaton Co. Limited Central Shipping Department in Toronto\u003c\/b\u003e, providing a direct connection to Eaton's, for whom McBrine is known to have supplied luggage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cb\u003e\"overnight bag.\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFounded 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: 18 inches\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 12 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 7 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Poppy's Vintage Clothing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47800969986153,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0273\/1559\/files\/McBrine-Suitcase.jpg?v=1783969104","url":"https:\/\/www.poppysvintageclothing.com\/products\/vintage-1950s-birkdale-tweed-suitcase-by-mcbrine-for-eatons-canada-original-box-key-overnight-luggage","provider":"Poppy's Vintage Clothing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}