Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stops these couriers from the swift completion
of their appointed rounds.
If you're old enough, you probably remember when U. S. Postal employees trudged the
city streets with mailbags like the No. 43. Before the age of TV and email, the high point
of the day often came with the delivery of the mail.
I'm forever on the lookout for things like old cars, old saddles, old porcelain signs,
and old alligator suitcases. And, I've always wanted to find a vintage U. S. Mailbag.
One day a business associate showed up for a meeting; and, wouldn't you know, he was
carrying a well-traveled mailbag. Evidently, I didn't hide my jealousy very well because he
was kind enough to let me keep it for about a year. I decided the only way I might ever
get my own was to make it, and the No. 43 is the result.
To me, this bag is a real piece of Americana. If you're not careful, you can put more in it
than you can tote. The bag is made in the Col. Littleton Leather Shop of native American
steer hide with a dry-milled leather flap, which is extremely soft and allows the bag to contour
to its own shape. It has one big pocket on the inside front. Adjusting shoulder strap
has a foam shoulder pad just like the original - or carry it by the handle. A neat brass
rod across the back of the bag enables it to retain its shape. Solid brass hardware. Brass
pommel shield on the front shows Col. Littleton logo and the bag serial number. Inside
dimensions are 17"x 13" x 4" at top opening. 6" deep at bottom. May be personalized
with three initials on the brass oval plate under the front flap.
