1950s Black Gladstone Bag

A super large vintage black Gladstone bag made in the 1950s by Jabez Cliff & Co, established in 1793 and one of England's finest manufacturers in the leather trade.

The Gladstone bag is in immaculate condition inside and out, and would be perfect as an overnight bag, with plenty of room inside. All the hardware is made of brass, and the bag comes complete with its original keys.

The Gladstone bag denotes a small portmanteau suitcase built over a rigid frame which could separate into two equal sections.

The first example was designed and manufactured by J G Beard at his leather shop in the City of Westminster. He named the creation after the British Prime Minister who he greatly admired, William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898). Typically made of stiff leather and belted with lanyards, a Gladstone bag differs from the suitcase by being deeper in proportion to its length.

Jabez Cliff still trade under Barnsby today, and have produced high quality leather product for the armed forces and royal household for many years. They still retain the Royal Warrant as Saddler and Loriner, and supply saddlery to the Kings Troop and the Household Cavalry.