Lotuff Men's English Leather Briefcase
The Lotuff Men's English Leather Briefcase, now retired, was handmade in New England and still stands out for both its understated beauty and quality, with vegetable tanned leather, solid brass hardware, and the YKK zipper.
See also:
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| The center, zippered pocket is perfectly sized for a tablet, and provides some protection as well. |
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| A great example of the design is the single, long strip of leather, shown here, that fluidly connects handle, carrying straps, and bands. |
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| The handle is substantial and feels good in hand. The full grain leather ages well. |
The straps (in conjunction with the double-gussets) allow the bag to handle a full load, but then shrink to a very pleasant thinness on lighter jaunts. As iPads and other tablets replace laptops, this feature of the past seems very future facing. (Which is good, because one will likely have this briefcase for a very long time.)
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| Polished Edges |
The briefcase is at home on trains. It fits perfectly in the Acela, and is reminiscent of the lawyer's briefcase from the classic short story, "Unreasonable Doubt" by Stanley Ellin.
"Good heavens, isn't this our station?" the stout man suddenly cried, and the next instant he went flying past Mr. Willoughby's out-stretched feet, briefcase in hand, overcoat flapping over his arm, companion in tow.
While the Lotuff Men's English Leather Briefcase also makes one think of a certain famous briefcase...
You didn't say, but I imagine it smells good, too!
ReplyDeleteVERY sharp. And an excellent choice. I love the colour.
ReplyDeleteA thing of beauty is a joy forever!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with Greenfield more. There are a lot of really bad briefcases out there and they are not exactly inexpensive. You pay more for this one but then you have it for a long, long time and it will always say quality.
ReplyDeleteOooooh covet!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking briefcase but I'll stick to my LL Bean leather messenger bag with the fish, fowl and game print lining.
ReplyDeleteAtticus Finch's briefcase:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150229045170147.457030.59862915146
Thanks for calling out the logo-laden handbag makers. You absolutely cannot assume quality and must scrutinize thoroughly. Fast fashion values have penetrated the wares of even venerated designers, which is why I so appreciate your expert analysis of briefcases and sweaters.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of briefcases, whatever happened to Coach? They seemed to have totally abandoned craftsmanship, and now are just another PR machine spitting out tacky, overpriced junk.
ReplyDeleteMuffy - I am indebted to you for posting about Lotuff. I purchased an iPad case based upon your review and could not be more pleased with the quality. I look forward to ordering more Lotuff products.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. A very generous and thoughtful gift.
ReplyDeleteI like the tasteful placement of the monogram.
ReplyDeleteA most elegant gift!
ReplyDeleteThat really is a handsome briefcase--and it will surely be even more handsome after a few years' use. When I can justify it, I have my eye on Lotuff's zip-top briefcase, as well as a similar model made from a bridle-like ungrained leather, from the company with which Lotuff was formerly associated. For now, my canvas Wm. J. Mills does the trick nicely.
ReplyDeleteMuffy - I spent about 400 dollars on a black leather Coach briefcase a few years ago. It has aged very poorly, and now, thanks to the quality of the cut and materials, looks like came from WalMart. I will be much more careful now. I would rather have a great briefcase for a long time than do that again.
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous, beautiful in the details and skilled craftsmanship. Timeless.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag, hubby must have been a very good boy this year!
ReplyDeleteMy Filson bridle leather briefcase takes the cake...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.filson.com/products/leather-field-satchel.70252.html?fromCat=true&fvalsProduct=luggage&fmetaProduct=10
Gorgeous! I recently bought my husband a briefcase as a wedding gift, not from Lotuff but from Mitchell. I literally stumbled across the most humble storefront while exploring Milwaukee and found the briefcase that my husband would be if he were a briefcase. The timelessness, heritage, and workmanship make Mitchell the Lotuff of the Midwest!
ReplyDeleteWhat a GORGEOUS bag!! I imagine it lasting forever, obvious heirloom quality. I agree about the logos - very pretentious, indeed. And the knock-offs. Oh dear, the knock-offs. --Holly in PA
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by your passing comment that well-known logos are used to disguise poor quality. . . much to think about there.
ReplyDeleteI credit The Daily Prep with helping me train my eye. TY.
ReplyDeleteMuffy,
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful briefcase! I bought a vintage English briefcase from a friend 6 years ago! The key has a tag of a member of the Royal Air Force Association.
Their leather goods are definitely lust-worthy, or at least something to ask Santa for... Will they ever offer a wallet for women?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have a Jack Georges bag? What's the verdict?
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, that bad, huh?
ReplyDeleteJanjan - I think I would pass on that one. :)
ReplyDeleteI asked about the briefcases because someone has just passes a Jack Georges handbag on to me....looks not unlike a Coach Station Bag.....and I have to say, it is pretty nice. Vegetable tanned leather, heavy solid brass hardware, suede lining, great stitching. The real thing through and through, and made in the USA by a family owned business. I looked at their website, and this handbag is not available anymore, and it is actually much nicer than what they have now.............
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