1960s Hartmann Belting Leather Suitcase with Hat Compartment

Free eBay listing template designed by dewiso.com Hartmann Suitcase Luggage with Hat Compartment Circa 1963-1973 Item DetailsThe oldest luggage company in the United States, Hartmann had a well-earned reputation for durable, high quality products. Founded in 1877, it played a defining role in the burgeoning airline industry during both the first era of flight and the post-World War II travel boom. What other company can claim that their luggage was used by figures as famous as Babe Ruth, President Lyndon B. Johnson, and even fictional spy James Bond? Their mid-century pieces, featuring attractive belting leather and strong frames, set new style standards while also enabling many pieces to survive even to this day.However, this particular suitcase is exceptionally rare compared to most others: it dates to the early 1960s to early 1970s but is still brand new and unused! Several clues help establish that time period:The Hartmann president is identified as Ira Katz in the booklet. Largely responsible for the company's growth and success in the 1960s to 1970s, Katz assumed that role in 1957 and stepped down in 1983 after selling the company.The consumer reply card inside lists Tom Schuster as the vice president of marketing and sales. Schuster graduated from Tufts in 1963 and joined the company shortly thereafter. By the mid to late 1970s he had already become senior vice president.This case features an extended compartment designed to fit a hatbox, a commonality in the 1950s and 1960s. By the mid-1970s companies phased out that feature. I've never encountered a surviving Hartmann suitcase with this compartment!The full case measures 24 inches by 15 inches with a depth of approximately 6.5 inches (not including the hatbox compartment). Despite its size, however, it only weighs just over 8 pounds, a testament to Hartmann's craftsmanship and the quality of materials they used. Though now over 50 years old, the suitcase is still in superb condition. Only a few minor signs of wear are present from having been in storage: a couple scuff marks, captured in the final two photos, and some patination on the hardware. That is most prominent on the middle hinge on the base, shown in the tenth photo.For anyone who collects vintage luggage, particularly those from Hartmann, or wants the perfect complement to a classic wardrobe for travel, this is a one-of-a-kind piece. It's highly unlikely that you'll come across another new one in your lifetime given the rarity.Shipping DetailsAny item that has free shipping will be noted as such in the item description. For all other items only the actual shipping charges are being automatically calculated by eBay based on your location, the weight, and the required box size. As of August 2024, all new items listed in my store (excluding very light items and those that qualify for USPS Media Mail) will only be shipped via UPS or FedEx, as both are offering superior options:USPS rates, including Ground Advantage, continue to increase steadily. UPS and FedEx are now offering comparable services for a slightly higher cost: FedEx Home Delivery and UPS Ground Saver.FedEx and UPS delivery times are typically 1-2 days faster.FedEx and UPS offer superior insurance that covers both the claimed value of the item and the shipping cost. USPS covers only the claimed value of the item.I reserve the right to select the shipping option from those listed for purchased items. Please review my store policies for pricing, shipping, and returns below.Also note that eBay deducts its fee not only from the sale price, but also from any shipping amount paid to the seller. In other words, sellers lose money on eBay through the shipping costs. 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