Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Vintage Thursday Thingie: Samsonite Luggage

"If you traveled the way your luggage does, would you look as good as Samsonite?"
This Samsonite Silhouette make up case is from 1968...I don't remember what happened to the other two pieces I had but you can see the whole set in the ad. My parents bought me the set as a high school graduation gift and I certainly did use it...you can just read the MSP (Minneapolis-St. Paul) tag on the side.
The Samsonite line of luggage was begun around 1910 at the Shwayder Trunk Company in Denver, Colorado-the case was actually named Samson to emphasize how strong it was. In 1941, the trademark Samsonite began to be used and in 1966 the whole company was renamed for this very popular luggage line. Today, unfortunately, Samsonite is in Chapter 11...lets hope it survives.

Silhouette was launched in 1958 as the Jet Age luggage...not sure what is Jet Age about this piece (it is really quite heavy) but I do love the styling.


Did you have luggage with a combination lock? Was your combination your birthday or the ever popular 000? (Yes, those are my old initials :)

Do you remember this ad? According to Wikipedia this iconic ad is used as an example of branding even though most people think this was a Samsonite ad (me too!) which it actually wasn't!

Join in the fun of VTT and hop on over to Coloradolady to check out all the vintage treasures being shown this week-you won't be disappointed!

21 comments:

Postcardy said...

I love the ad. I still have my American Tourister suitcases, but I left my makeup/train case at my parents' house and it disappeared.

iheartsunnydays said...

What a great little suitcase. I always think of the movie Dumb&Dumber whenever I hear about Samsonite!!!

Jocelyn said...

Great ad! Trouble is, that is probably mild compared to what really happens to your luggage once it leaves your sight. I've watched from the plane as they sling those bags around :-D Happy VTT!

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Gracefully Vintage said...

love that old luggage- i have two samsonites- one in a brownish color-and do you ever notice how they all look so good-the add was right- and one i painted black-just to see-
Love your blog-just became a follower.
Karryann

Coloradolady said...

I think this is such a fun post, great ad and love the suitcase....These are harder to find down here where I am! Have a great VTT

Maureen said...

I looove old luggage. I pick it up wherever I go. Don't know why, I just do!

Paulette said...

Great suitcase! Sure I remember that ad. I got American Tourister luggage for my graduation present.

viridian said...

thanks for the vintage ad - it takes me back. This style of luggage is SO heavy however.

Vonlipi said...

I love those old small suitcases.

I have a pink one. Thanks for sharing and happy VTT!

Charlotte said...

My parents bought luggage for my graduation gift, but when I tried it with my kids, they wanted to know if I was trying to get rid of them!

Sarah said...

Great post! Love that slogan on Samsonite. My high school graduation gift from my parents was a set of Samsonite luggage. At the time, traveling by air was not the norm. It was heavy, sturdy luggage so I gave it up once I began flying most places. Regret that I didn't keep it. Who knows where it is now?
Thanks for stopping by HFTS. Hope to see you again. I've added myself as a follower. I'll be back for more visits. ~ Sarah

Susan Freeman said...

I really like vintage luggage better than those made today. Granted today's luggage is lighter and more convenient to tote, but it just doesn't have the appeal of the vintage pieces. Train cases are my favorite!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

CC said...

Love the makeup case...I believe my sister may still have mine,after all these years. What a beautiful quilt that is below..I love it. happy VTT..

Sally Annie Magundy said...

Thanks so much for this post and the memories it evoked - I got my first suitcase as a new teenager in 1967, a Samsonite. I can remember picking it out. And I can remember that ad on TV!

Happy VTT,
Sally

Unknown said...

What a great piece. I had a red set and used the heck out it. Much more durable than the luggage made now...a couple flights and it's trashed!

Blessings!
Gail

deb said...

I love that ad! Your's is in great shape. I have my Grandmothers in my treasure pile in the garage...need to find a place in the house for it!
*hugs*deb

★Carol★ said...

I sure do remember that old ad! I haven't shopped for new luggage since high school, so I don't even know if they make it as great as they used to. I just buy the old stuff at thrift stores, because it's indestructible, just like the ad shows!
Happy VTT!
Carol

Sherrie said...

I never thought about my suitcase. I got my blue suitcase in 1969 and yes I still have it. Thank you for the fun reminder to look a little more closely around my house.

Anonymous said...

oh wow Miri how great that you still have it and with your initials too..that's priceless!

btw i'm loving your 9 patch quilt in your previous post..great colours! x

Anonymous said...

oh wow Miri how great that you still have it and with your initials too..that's priceless!

btw i'm loving your 9 patch quilt in your previous post..great colours! x

Unknown said...

Samson=Samsonite...who knew? :) Have a great VTT and thanks for sharing! :)

Sarah