Gladstone-Style Inspired Travel Bag
“While rummaging through my collection of vintage travel grip bags, I came upon an old Gladstone Bag which rekindled my long-standing desire to make one. Named after four-time Prime Minster of the UK, William Gladstone, the bag was prevalent in the late 1800s/early 1900s. I had always shied away from making it due to the complexity of the design; however, I loved the look so much I decided to muster up some turn-of-the-century British fortitude and go for it.”
– Colonel Littleton
Functionality and Design
Made in the Col. Littleton Workshop of wonderfully textured, full-grain, Tobacco Brown American Buffalo and detailed with unique, sweeping, curvilinear styling, it will definitely not go unnoticed on your travel circuit. The No. 5 Grip is trimmed in our Vintage Brown American Steerhide, which shows off the curvilinear styling to perfection. It’s just as nice on the inside since Colonel has fully lined it in soft Calfskin.
Keeping with the Gladstone protocol, Colonel kept the hinged-frame design which allows it to open wide and pack easily, and added an adjustable shoulder strap with comfort pad for the convenience of today’s traveler.
- Tobacco Brown American Buffalo Leather
- Overall dimensions: 12 ½” (H) x 20 ½” (W) x 9” (D)
- Hidden 7 ¾” (H) x 9 ⅝” (W) pocket under bottom inside, removable panel has space for recording your name and the year you purchased or received the bag for future generations.
- Leather straps encircle the bag, culminating on top with buckle closures.
- Convenient carry handles.
- Brass feet on the bottom protect the bag from wear.
- Solid brass hardware.
- Product packaging includes a protective cotton canvas drawstring bag with the Col. Littleton Cameo Logo.
- May be personalized with three block initials on brass plate.
For extra distinction, the bag is serial numbered on a brass plate on top of the bag. There’s no way you’ll be able to carry this bag through the airport without someone commenting on it. This bag is stunning in beauty and quality and definitely stands out in a crowd.
When it comes to American Buffalo, Colonel says, “Expect a leather that is unapologetically rugged with more character, nicks, scrapes and variations in color.” Learn more about our American Buffalo Leather.
Also available in American Steerhide.
Materials
Leather: Always full-grain, the finest cut of leather. Expertly vegetable-tanned and finished in rich custom colors. Handcrafted exclusively for Col. Littleton in small U.S. tanneries.
- Body: Full-grain, American Buffalo Leather
- Trim: Full-grain, American Steerhide Leather
- Lining: Full-grain, American Calfskin Leather
Extras: Solid brass hardware (imported); chosen for quality, endurance and character.
Designed by Colonel Littleton and handcrafted in our workshop in Lynnville, TN.
This bag is absolutely beautiful! I view it as a work of art. The quality of the bag is better than anything I have ever seen and I have preference for top of the line merchandise. This one is over the top beautiful! Worth every dollar I paid for it.
Thank you so much for your kind review and support! We hope that your No. 5 Grip is cherished for years to come.
Looked very carefully and diligently at the No. 5 grip bag. Was initially hesitant to make on online purchase at $2,000 plus without viewing the bag for size and quality. I was so intrigued by its good looks that I decided to take a trip to Lynnville, Tennessee to see it in person, I was not disappointed. The 4 hour trip was well worth the travel time. I was nearby in No. Carolina on a golf trip from NJ. The bag is superb in its construction and quality. Details are impeccable and the bag is exquisite. The Colonel’s shop is also a delight to see. Filled with the scent of newly made leather bags and accessories it was hard to leave without picking up a few other ideas for gifts or purchases. So looking forward to “wearing” it in. My grandson has his eye on it, but I have asked for his patience. Based on the durable looks of the bag he will have to get by on anticipation or a future college graduation gift.
Out of ten stars I’d give it one hundred. Never have I thought the build quality of something can be so great to the point that it completely creates a whole new standard on its own. To be in detail, every stitch is perfect and I’ve tried to look to find a flaw, it’s almost not even human. The leather is thick and will need a real long break in. It reminds me of a old well made baseball glove but a bag. Even all the brass parts are real brass and is stamped “solid brass” no fake color coating. Inside calfskin is incredible and soft yet very durable. You can really tell, from even the box it’s sent in, the dust bag, the yarn used to stitch to even the smallest detail, it is to the highest standard I have ever seen or owned anything in. I own some nice things. But this really makes all things I have ever felt seen, or touch look cheap. Now, keep in mind it is very heavy and yes it’s expensive. But you will have this for your entire life even if you tried to mess it up. The shoulder strap is so comfortable and is so old school. It’s really overbuilt and made to last. Worth every penny. It is a head turner and it makes a lot of people wonder what in the hell is America doing not making things like this, like it used to be. Support this company. The customer service was so respectful and kind. I have no words. Yes it’s just bag, but at this level it becomes a family piece for many others after you. I also own a belt and a luggage tag and it’s worth it. You get this and you’ll never have to get another. It makes me proud to see a made in the USA stamp on this. This, is how it’s supposed to be done. With rugged class and quality all. It’s like old well made german things. It’s just another type of level. This company is another in its own league. So glad I purchased this. The price being 1800 is actually very fair.