Rare Original Antique Samsonite Suitcase

 

 

Here is a very rare original antique Samsonite suitcase, we believe from about 1917. The company was founded in Denver as the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Co. in 1910. This must be one of the very first Samsonite suitcases that was produced just after the onset of World War One.

It appears to be made of paper and wood. It has a label inside that reads, “Samson Luggage-Shwader Trunk Mfg Co, Denver, Colo. Registered Trademark "Five Men On One Samson Suitcase."”

This delicate yet very sturdy paper/wood/cardboard item does have considerable use on the outside. We have taken numerous photos of the suitcase to show exactly how it looks.

The inside is in great condition considering its age and the Samson label is in great condition. It has gold metal ornate corner protective pieces on the outside of the suitcase and each one is marked, “Patent Applied For, Shwayder, Denver.” It has two outside leather straps with the tips missing and one strap is split at the back.

The suitcase measures, 24” x 13 1/2 x 7 1/4.” We think this is the same type of suitcase originally advertised by the Five Shwayder Brothers standing on a “Samson” (Samsonite Suitcase) that is in the Ira M. Beck archives.

A very rare and interesting antique piece of Samsonite historic luggage.