18th century luggage

**Joe Gondek** · 27th May 11, 08:45 AM

Thanks everyone for the kind words,

Is that all hand stiching? And roughly how many hours work in each one?

yes ,they are all hand stitched with waxed linen thread.
making the pattern,layout, cutting, dyeing the leather,and gluing in the lining takes more time than the actual sewing.

I have about 10-15 hours in the portmanteu and around 35 hours in the valise.
There is over 40 hours in the leather covered,tacked dome chest.

**MacMillans son** · 18th September 11, 06:59 AM

How and the heck did I miss this the first time around!!?? Those are all really superb Joe! Very nice indeed. Well done!

**O'Searcaigh** · 18th September 11, 07:54 AM

Absolutely OUTSTANDING! I have done a few simple things with leather (basic sporrans, belts, a case for my practice chanter) but nothing this ambitious. I have a great source for inexpensive leather because we live near a Mennonite community with a real old fashioned leather shop making mostly equestrian and farm related items but they have great prices on leather pieces of all sizes. If you would be so kind (and I wouldn't blame you if you didn't), I'd love to know a bit more about the particulars -- e.g., pattern size layouts, etc for these pieces -- they are again absolutely outstanding!!!

**ThistleDown** · 18th September 11, 11:13 AM

Superb work, Joe. Heritage items ofthe future.

**James Hood** · 18th September 11, 12:45 PM

Wow. Really striking, look fantastic.

**MacRobert's Reply** · 18th September 11, 01:29 PM

Very impressive craftsmanship Joe.

**Chirs** · 18th September 11, 02:22 PM

Excellent!!

**cruiser348** · 18th September 11, 05:01 PM

Amazing workmanship. You are truly an amazing craftsmen, and luggage is one of the places I hadn't realized could be truly beautiful.

**Sir William** · 18th September 11, 05:33 PM

I missed this as well the first time around. Glad it was resurrected.

I've been jonesing for a portmanteu for years - this thread did help any.

Excellent work, Joe.

**Santa Wally** · 19th September 11, 04:37 PM

Beautiful works of art Joe. Just like the sporran I got from you last January. It has become my favorite. Since getting it, only once did I wear one of my three sporrans (and that one got put away in a box). As you can see your sporran made a trip to Niagara Falls last Friday and the Niagara Celtic Festival Saturday and Sunday.

Back on topic, your 18th century luggage exhibits your extraordinary leather craftsmanship. It's PRICELESS.