I’m going to be taking a couple trips in the next few months and I found this old guy languishing in the corner of the Volunteers of America Thrift Store here in Columbus and I brought him home for a whopping $4.95.
I did some research online and here are his specs…
Samsonite, Shwayder Bros, Denver, Colorado, Suitcase Model 4551, Ivory Marble, circa 1950’s (definitely no later than 1965 since the Shwayder Bros. officially changed their name to Samsonite in 1966). He had a pink airline sticker on the handle from a previous trip to Hawaii but based on his condition, I think he’s seen a whole bunch of the world. This model is running for somewhere between $30 and $60 online so I think this was definitely a score…
I’ve named him Buddy Holly. If anyone thinks it’s creepy that I named my suitcase after a rockstar who died in a plane crash…you should keep in mind that it’s creepy to name your suitcase period. And if you don’t know why Buddy Holly (the hipster before there were hipsters) is an awesome name for a suitcase from the 1950’s, you haven’t seen this.
I took some cleaning solution and a rag and scrubbed the grim off.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
And Madigan decided to do some modeling.
Where are we going, Mom? More importantly, does this suitcase make me look fat?
What do you think? With his sparkling clean handles, I’m kind of crushing on Buddy Holly now. What about you? Do you like your luggage? Have you purchased anything secondhand recently?
love, elizabeth
10 comments:
Oh my!! LOVE your dog, first of all. haha! Adorable. :)
Second of all, I have the turquoise version of this suitcase and love it! I recovered the inside though because it was nasty. :P
Madigan just wants to make sure you don't leave without her. (Like anybody even could.)
Also I have had Buddy Holly by Weezer stuck in my head since I first saw this post. I'm not mad about this at all.
Madigan really likes it :) And so do I!
Such an awesome thrift! Well done, you!
I've never thought about thrifting for a suitcase....but what a great idea. I like yours a lot...great deal too!
Buddy holly is very, very cool. I'd feel awesomely retro walking thru an airport with vintage luggage. Mine is just a flowered pattern. I like the wheels and that I can usually spot it on the luggage turnstiles.
that is one fabulous suitcase!!!
xx jes
www.twosmuppies.com
That is fabulous! I love it. Now you just need to travel somewhere fabulous ;)
Nice find! And a steal at less than $5! Why do our thrift shops have to be ridiculously pricey here in NYC!
Hahaha, the dog in the suitcase made me laugh!! They are always trying to steal the spotlight! Love the vintage suitcase. So unique!
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