Featured Suitcase?

I found this old case (suitcase?) today. With its bowed sides and unusual construction, I’ve not seen anything quite like it before. Made of cedar boards, with iron bands and a great old lock. Note how, on the inside of the case, knots in the wood have been stabilized with rivets of different sizes. The outside has an old painted finish. Has anyone seen a case like this before? I’d love to know its age, and if it has a special purpose.

 

Photos?
Measurements?
Where are you and where did you buy it?
Did the seller tell you anything about it?

 

Photos have been uploaded. I’m in Ontario, Canada. Only info was on the tag, “authentic early suitcase”.

 

Sorry, photos were not there when I looked.

Measurements?

 

It’s still at the shop, as I didn’t purchase it (yet). Didn’t measure it, but it’s about the size of a normal suitcase.

 

one would think it would be heavy as lead........maybe for an instrument.

 

Surprisingly, it’s not heavy at all, I guess because cedar isn’t a heavy wood.

 

I get the feeling this is a OOAK bench made item for a specific use..

 

Here's one with a similar shape

Wooden Suitcase with Leather Handle c.1940 | S16 Home

 

Interesting. Similar idea, but plywood instead of solid boards, with aluminum bands rather than iron. A newer version of the same type of case?

 

I have no idea. I just googled wooden suitcase to help you out when you were in the store. Just to give you an example of a similar shape with leather handles.

 

Thank you!

 

That was my first thought, too. A specially made case for a large piece of equipment.
It's obviously not intended to lay on its curved sides and therefore it would be difficult to pack with clothing.

 

David, what do you intend to do with this item? I can't see it fitting into the overhead storage compartment, lol.

 

Don’t have any intentions. Just found it interesting!

 

THAT'S the spirit!

 

You never did give dimensions? Are the nails that I see holding the hinges square or round?

 

I did find a small one on Etsy. Search "vintage wooden suitcase". Priced at $125 and dated to the 1930's.