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If you’re in search of a briefcase, something cool, or even a gift for someone a vintage Samsonite should be topping your list!
I personally own SEVEN, five slim and two “normal” size ones. They make an ideal daily business companion of function, and a great talking point. 
Top 5 Reasons Why They Make A Great Briefcase
- They are a briefcase! (I know that’s a bad one, but true…)
- Great talking point for being vintage and / or colorful
- Cool to imagine the history associated with the case, all the big deals that could have gone down within its life and who owned such cool pieces (what can I say I’m a romantic)
- Fun activity to search out, from Ebay to estate sales (it took me a long time to find a mint red slim one…but well worth it! see pictures below)
- Very affordable. I have amassed a collection of seven for less than the price of a designer briefcase (although I love these Dunhill ones). With, in my option all the kudos, functionality, and more….of their new counterparts. As for price I would say a good condition one with keys should range from $50 -125
Bonus: one size fits all! I’m a big guy, so sometimes it’s hard to find vintage items in my size. The beauty of these cases (especially the slim ones) is that they look just as good in my hands as that of my girlfriends.
Top 5 Reasons Why They Make The Best Gift
Obviously for all the reasons above, but in a quick punch list:
- Unique & expressive designs
- Quality product / long lasting
- Functional
- Memorable
- Affordable
Why I Love Them
I have a thing for vintage and classic items. At the very least I always try to incorporate one vintage piece in every ensemble, and what could be better than a piece of pure function and style.
Favored Design – Slim
My personal favorites are the slim cases. I currently have five: white, blue, green, red, and brown. I’m also thinking about adding two more with a black and grey. But for sure, the colorful ones give you the best bank for your buck, as always a great talking point, and who doesn’t like a 60’s retro print!?
Click Pictures To Enlarge
Highly Functional & Roomy
As you can see from the green briefcase above although these are slim and very light, they are still perfect for today’s business needs. I usually carry my Chrome book, mouse, charger, phone charger, note pad, sunglasses, and papers with no trouble! The dimensions of the slim cases are: 17.5″ wide, 13″ high, and 3.25″ deep / thick (44.45cm wide, 33.02cm high, and 8.26cm deep)
Where Can I Find A Vintage Samsonite?
I have found most of mine on Ebay and / or Etsy, with search terms like: vintage Samsonite, retro Samsonite, slim briefcase, slim attache, etc… Outside of that there are a million other places you can find these gems, like yard sales, estate sales, flea markets, thrift stores, vintage stores, and the list goes one.
So what are you waiting for….go get yourself one! Happy hunting.
As always I welcome your comments below or on social media, and please let me know / share if you have any other colors or internal prints.
About the Author: Paul Anthony
26 Comments
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Really cool, I love the floral linings. Also thanks for the tips on how to search in Etsy and Ebay.
Hey Bobby, no problem. Good luck!
– Paul
Do you by any change know if the red case is the original lining inside? I am a Graphic Design student and I am putting my portfolio together and I am absolutely in love with the red case pictured and I would love to find one to use as my portfolio case.
Hey Samantha,
Yes that is the original print. Samsonite had it going on back then!
Someone in Instagram told me the print is a “Marimekko”. So maybe be worth looking that up.
Good, luck the red ones are the hardest to find!
Hey Samantha! I was looking up the red Samsonite to get an idea what price to ask before listing on Facebook Marketplace.
If interested in it for $65 let me know.
Hey Peg,
I might be interested! Is it in mint condition?
Can you send some pictures to paul@bespokeunit.com
Thanks – Paul
I just started collecting vintage Samsonite briefcases for all of the above reasons. So nice to have some company! I also own seven – different sizes and colors, but just black, gray and brown.
Thanks for the comment, Bryan! Once you start branching out, it’s like an addiction.
Ever since I watched the movie, The Signal. I started collecting these vintage Samsonite briefcases. So far I have the slim versions in green, red and pink. I think the pink color was harder to find.
Hi JPJP,
Thanks for the comment! Glad you enjoyed the article. We haven’t seen The Signal yet, but now we have more of a reason to!
I’m so in love with these briefcases! I have a vintage traincase from my Nana and am on the look out for a blue slim Samsonite briefcase. I have one prospect, but the seller does not have the keys. Although the clasps open just fine. Any suggestions on this?
Hello AJ,
Glad you’re into this great vintage style!
To be honest I have all the keys to all my cases, but never use them. As long as the clasps work (mine snap shut and feel really solid), I think you’re fine unless you really have a “need” to lock your bag contents away.
All the best,
– Paul
Hi Paul
I have been searching for a year on behalf of my daughter for a pink retro Samsonite attache case. Have you one for sale.
She is s young business woman who is desperate to sport one of these.
Help?
Lesley
Hi Lesley,
I’ve just spoken to Paul about this. He has a red one, which is in the images above. He’d be willing to it to you if you’re interested?
Best,
CP
Hey Lesley,
Have you found a pink retro samsonite attaché case for your daughter yet? I have one if you’re interested.
I’ve been wanting one for months, and just got a thin black (2 folder) original samsonite. I am wondering if there is a key that I can buy that would work for this, if it goes by the year or model. Thank you!
I’m afraid that we don’t know but we’d be happy to help if we could. Perhaps reach out to some retailers who specialise in Samsonites. They might be able to give you more information on this.
Do you have and are you willing to sell the retro green if you have one?
Many thanks
Hi Ollie,
I’m afraid that it isn’t available for sale, sorry!
All the best,
CP
I scored a mint condition red/pink one. I can’t find an estimate of it’s worth. Please help. Ty!
I’m afraid that I can’t really say. Your best bet is to find examples on eBay or other online auction sites in similar condition and comparing prices. Otherwise, you could ask an antiques dealer.
Hi! These are wonderful! I used to work for Samsonite and always wanted one of these. Do you have any for sale?
Thank you!
Hi Regan,
Unfortunately, the ones pictured in this review are not for sale. Definitely check out the marketplaces we mention here such as eBay or Etsy as there are always new listings popping up.
Best,
Rafael
Hi Regan,
I’m just listing a slim light blue with the flowery interior.
This case is in wonderful, clean condition, with a key.
I’m not sure it was used. The outside has a slight, very light scratch.
It will be on Etsy, in the store “Lolasbounty” in fifteen minutes. There will be photos, description, etc
Just picked an almost mint green slim Samsonite with floral design,, what year were they made? Many thanks mark
Hey Mark,
Congrats on your new Samsonite! Unfortunately, it’s tough to tell when they were made. Does yours have any kind of indentifying model numbers/details inside? This may help with an online search.
Rafael