RARE VINTAGE 1970’s MARK CROSS BRITISH TAN BELTING LEATHER MACBOOK PRO BRIEFCASE BAG MADE IN ITALY with CUSTOM MOOSE HIDE LEATHER HANDLE WRAP – R$2898

My bags are the antidote for the poly-lined synthetic leather run-of-the-mill bags being produced today. Most of my bags are full-grain leather; artisan craft, with authentic distressed character, and many with modifications unique to our line. We only use high-grade men’s belts for shoulder straps. This leather is reminiscent of equestrian leather halter straps. I also use half centimeter thick mooseskin. Nothing wimpy here; quality and character that stands out and stands the test of a truly rugged lifestyle.

Invest in a bag that you’ll love more and more over time. Not all leather bags are created the same. A great quality leather bag is supposed to look better with time as the leather acquires marks and age-related character.

Make sure to check out my whole store. At the time of this listing, I have 4 items; all unique and different. Many with added moose-skin handle-wraps; my “trademark” unique idea. The handle is the point of contact that the owner has with their bag and mooseskin is so pleasing to touch.

My philosophy in writing descriptions is: a picture speaks 1000 words. So please look at the pictures and message me with any questions. That said, here is my description:

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What I love about this briefcase are the British Tan color (rare), solid brass hardware, and that it is made with such fine craftsmanship by world-renowned leather goods company Mark Cross (est. 1845). I also like that it is the thinner 2.5-inch thickness, so it is not super heavy and fits the smaller tech we carry today. I believe the inside is lined with wild boar skin; very rare.

This bag has the true vintage look which is so popular today. It says, without saying anything, that you appreciate quality and are not afraid to be different. I imagine a business professional who appreciates the vintage look carrying this to a meeting. It is sure to get comments and compliments. It is leather lined; this is very rare these days. In my opinion, leather-lined bags feel richer, age better, and last far longer.

A hardside case? But why?

People are flocking back to the traditional hardside attaché because they are easy to pack and provide quick access to your gear by simply placing them on your lap and popping the spring-loaded locks open. There is just something completely satisfying about opening the locks on a vintage traditional briefcase. The loud “Thwackety, Thwackety” sound is pure old-school craftsmanship and nostalgia. The people nearby, if they are old enough, will remember the sound immediately and wonder who is carrying the classic vintage attaché. Conversations naturally begin around pieces like this.

As shown in the photos: This bag fits my mock-up wooden 15” MacBook Pro 2017 with measurements of 13.75” x 9.48” x 0.61”. It may fit a slightly larger laptop, so please contact me if you would like additional measurements for your specific device.

This bag also fits my iPad Pro 12.9 very nicely in the fan file. Measurements of the 12.9 are: 12.04” x 8.69” x 0.27” for reference. No need to carry oversized rolling bags anymore. Modern tablets and compact laptops now allow us to carry these beautiful vintage cases once again instead of the run-of-the-mill bags produced today.

The measurements, in inches, are approximately:
17.5” x 13.25” x 2.5”

I have this bag listed as a men’s bag, but for a woman looking for that rugged vintage aesthetic, this would also be fantastic.

This beautiful bag comes from a smoke-free home in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Mark Cross Brand History
Opened in 1845, closed in 1997, and relaunched in 2011.

Here is the story:

“In the hallway of Mark Cross’s Garment District studio, a still from Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window hangs showing Grace Kelly holding a sturdy, boxy black purse. Inside the showroom, ‘Grace’ bags are lined up in that same boxy shape, but in a rainbow of colors and patterns.

It’s all pretty modern for a 171-year-old brand.

The company started as a harness and saddlery company in 1845, founded by Irishman Henry Cross, who named the business after his son Mark. It evolved into America’s first luxury leather goods brand, long before Hermès and Gucci gained prominence in the United States.

Mark Cross flourished through much of the 20th century, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, operating 23 retail stores across America before eventually closing in 1997.

The brand was revived in 2011 and once again became associated with timeless craftsmanship, understated luxury, and exceptional leather quality. The streamlined, logo-less Grace bag became one of its signature modern icons.

What makes Mark Cross especially appealing today is its restrained elegance. No loud branding. No flashy logos. Just beautiful leather, excellent hardware, and old-world craftsmanship.”

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My name is Reederang and I am a curator of vintage leather and canvas dry goods. To many, I have added unique functional modifications and made repairs giving each bag that coveted well-loved look. Reederang reconditions and breathes new life into vintage distressed high-quality leather goods. Ask me about my custom-made mooseskin briefcases and backpack/rucksacks.

We specialize in vintage leather bags meticulously crafted in the United States of America, France, Italy, Holland, Poland, Paraguay, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Uruguay, Greece, and beyond.

Our bags, briefcases, backpacks, rucksacks, duffle bags, garment bags, and carry-ons are made of the following materials: belting leather, saddle leather, harness leather, baseball glove leather, Battenkill canvas, salt & pepper canvas, ballistic nylon, and other rugged materials.

We focus on providing vintage bags from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s to customers worldwide.

Some of the brands that we carry are Mark Cross, Gokey, Orvis, Hartmann, Frank Clegg, Korchmar, Brooks Brothers, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Ghurka, Coach USA, Filson, Duluth Pack, Ralph Lauren RRL, JW Hulme, Goldpfeil, Bally, Tumi, Loewe Spain, Dunhill, Lotuff, Maxwell Scott, Saddleback, Brady of Halesowen, and many others.

Luggage for classic cars:
MG TC TD TF MGA MGB, Austin Healey, Porsche, Triumph & others.

We are glad you have stopped to visit.

Fairwinds and Godspeed,

Reederang