Step aside, ordinary bags, because my collection is the antidote to the synthetic, poly-lined, run-of-the-mill bags being churned out by the factories of China. I take pride in my artistry and craftsmanship, sourcing only the finest, full-grain leather that exudes an authentic, distressed character. Each bag is a masterpiece, some with modifications that are unique to my line, ensuring that you won't find them anywhere else.
The quality of my bags speaks for itself, and I don't cut corners when it comes to the shoulder straps. I only use high-grade men's belts to ensure that the straps are not only strong but comfortable, too. This leather is reminiscent of the equestrian leather halter straps that are used to handle powerful horses. And if that's not enough, I also incorporate half-centimeter thick mooseskin into many of my designs. Nothing wimpy here - just quality and character that will stand the test of time, even under the most rugged of lifestyles.
Invest in a bag that will only get better with time, as the leather acquires marks and wear that adds to its unique charm. Not all leather bags are created equal, and my collection is proof of that. It's supposed to look better with age, reflecting the journey that it has been on with its owner.
But don't just take my word for it. Take a stroll through my store, where you'll find 183+ unique vintage pieces that are sure to catch your eye. And be sure to look out for my trademark idea - adding mooseskin handles inside my bags. Trust me; once you've experienced the convenience of the inside handle, you'll never want to go back.
And for those who want something extra special, many of my briefcases also feature a mooseskin handle wrap, ensuring that the point of contact with your bag is as pleasant to touch as possible. My philosophy is simple: let the pictures do the talking. Take a look and let me know if you have any questions. But one thing is for sure - with my bags, you won't just be buying just a functional accessory, but a timeless piece of art that you'll cherish for years to come.
Why craft a Moose Skin Leather Double Strap Briefcase?
I first discovered moose skin leather quite unintentionally years ago when I was given a portion of a hide by my mom. Mom used to run an estate sale business and would come across many unique items. I designed and crafted from the hide a leather cover, with a handle, for my Thompson Chain Reference Bible and a Guitar Strap for my 12 String Washburn guitar. Decades later, after I started my vintage leather goods store, I got curious enough about what type of leather it was that my mom had given me so many years ago. After doing research on leather, I believed I had figured it out; but there was only one way to be sure –order a half moose hide and see if it was the same. I did and it was. Now my favorite leather in the world has a name–Moose Skin Leather!
When I received my half a moose hide, I made a pattern and crafted a briefcase; which was my first. Then I got a request from a Doctor in Texas. After seeing my Moose skin briefcase on eBay, he wanted to know if I could make a backpack/rucksack in the same vein. I told him that the thought had already crossed my mind, and I even had some rough ideas for a pattern. I told him I was pretty confident I could design and craft one similar in style to my moose skin briefcase and that he would like it. I told him that if he liked it, he could buy it, and if not; I would list it in my eBay store. He did like it and was my first moose skin leather backpack customer. Thank you, Dr. Newman!
I tell you that story because I have always liked stories about how people got started in their careers or businesses. Now you have a little history about how I got my start.
In 2022, I decided to design a different style briefcase. This one would be the Classic Double Strap Briefcase from an extremely thick moose hide in the Golden Buckskin Moose color which so pleasing to the eye, to the touch, and is also the thickest hide I have come across. It is 11-12 oz (¼ inch thick) Moose Hide!
Materials used: Quarter of a Moose skin hide, Thirty-Three Pounded Copper Rivets, 33 Deerskin leather washers, Deerskin lace 1/4 inch wide (in a contrasting tobacco color), two Solid Brass (antiqued) buckles, and two antique Brass Line 24 Snaps.
About Pounded Copper Rivets: If you are not familiar with pounded copper rivets, they are a really 1800s technique/tool that is super strong and will last for decades and decades. I use leather washers to give them even more durability and a truly rugged look.
Design Description: I designed the briefcase to be crafted with only two seams – this is something that leather manufacturers rarely do. I use a single piece of leather for the briefcase body and flap. I use the remaining portions to make the outside pocket, double straps, and saved the thickest part to make the handle and the handle wrap. Using a large piece of leather is more expensive to do because you always have some scraps left over and in the leather business they have figured out that stitches are cheaper than leather and today we find that many small pieces are used to create most leather briefcases. I wanted to take the opposite approach.
Functional Design: I designed this briefcase to be reminiscent of those vintage double-strap briefcases that go back at least to the 1800s if not earlier. A feature I think is a must is an outside slip pocket. So, I designed an outside pocket, to put my iPhone (which is also my camera 🙂), secure from the weather, easy to get to for that quick photo, and not in danger of falling out. The perfect place is out of sight on the side carried close to the owner. Most people carry a briefcase with the buckles facing out from them, so while the outside pocket is not secret it is really only seen by the owner when carrying it, keeping your valuables more secure. Another must for me was being able to load my MacBook Pro 16-inch laptop inside and having it fit nicely with room to spare. The briefcase, in inches, is 14H x18W and has 1.0-1.5 inches of depth.
As shown in the photos: This bag fits my mock-up wooden MacBook Pro 16” with the measurements of 13.75" x 9.48" x Thickness 0.61" It will fit a bit larger laptop so please contact me if you want me to measure for your specific laptop.
Who did I design it for?
- Those that have an appreciation for luxury rugged heirloom quality leather goods.
- People who want an heirloom quality briefcase that you will pass on to your children and grandchildren.
- People who want a completely one-of-a-kind handmade briefcase.
- Business professionals who are looking for something completely out of the ordinary, that will lead to many interesting conversations.
The reasons this Moose Skin Leather is so special.
- Each hide is hunted, either in USA or Canada. For these hunts, if you want to go on one, starting cost is between $5000-$7000 and can go up toward $12000 dollars. I work with two tanneries to source my moose hides.
- Unlike most leathers, Moose Skin Leather can be exposed to water and not dry out like cowhide and many other types of leather. For this reason, Native American tribes still use Moose Skin Leather for Moccasins. One of my Moose leather sources sells hides to tribes for Moccasin-making classes.
- The moose hides that I select 10-11oz – the thickest available. For those who don’t know what that means; it means – each hide is .22-0.28 inches (or 5-7 mm for those of you who prefer metrics). I have never in my life felt a leather as thick and that has such a pleasing feel in the hand. I think you will agree.
I have this listed as a Men's bag but any woman who appreciates rugged leather goods could make this work for that perfect rugged look.
Indulge me, dear friend, as I regale you with tales of the beloved brands restored by me; Reederang - a curator of vintage leather and canvas dry goods a craftsman who breathes new life into distressed, high-quality leather goods. Each piece is a testament to my passion for the art of restoration, where I add unique functional modifications and repairs that imbue each bag with a coveted, well-loved look.
My passion for vintage leather bags knows no bounds, as I specialize in meticulously crafted pieces hailing from Canada, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Holland, Italy, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Switzerland, the United States of America, West Germany, and other great nations. My collection spans Bags, Briefcases, Backpacks, Rucksacks, Duffle Bags, Garment Bags, and Carry-ons, fashioned from Ballistic Nylon, Battenkill Canvas, Belting Leather, Harness Leather, Saddle Leather, Salt & Pepper Canvas, Baseball Glove Leather, and other rugged materials.
I take pride in providing our customers worldwide with vintage bags from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s & 1980s - a veritable treasure trove of unbranded & handmade cases and packs. I carry a plethora of renowned brands such as AH Brookings, Aldo Raffa Italy, Alfred Dunhill, Asprey London, Bally, Banana Republic, Barret & Son, Belber Luggage, Bill Amberg, Bick Brothers Makers, Bottega Veneta Intreciatto, Brahmin, Branchers, Bree, Brunswick, Buffalo Jackson, Carlson Leather, Coach USA, Cole Haan, Condor Leather, Conker Trunks, Conte Max, Crouch & Fitzgerald, Dave Tenenbaum Leathersmith, Dionigi Italy, Dopp, Double RL, Duluth Pack, Dunhill, Eddie Bauer, Ernest Alexander, Etro Italy, Filson, Finnigan Ltd, Force Ten, Francesco Rogani, Geo Lawrence Company, Ghurka, Glaser Designs, Goldpfeil, Goertzen Montana, Gokey, Hartmann, Herff Christiansen, Holland Sport Saddle Leather, Hunting World, Humawaca Argentina, IKA, Insall & Son, J.Fold, John Badshaw &Sons, John Varvatos, Joseph Daniel, Joseph Hanna, JW Hulme, Kenwood, Kendall & Hyde, K. Kaufmann, Korchmar, Leder Aktentasche, Le Tanner Paris France, Lions Leather Products, London Harness Company, Lotuff, M. London, Maraolo Italy, Mark Cross, Marlondo, McGuire Nicholas, Mendel, Millikin & Lawley London, Mulberry, Norm Thompson, Norris England, Orskov Copenhagen, Orvis, Papworth Swaine Adeney London, Phillip Corbin, Pineider, Rawlings, Renwick, Rialto, Riley, RRL, Ruitertassen, Sadhaus, Saddleback, Schlesinger, Scott & Co, Seeger Germany, Sergio's Leather Creations, Snapak by Schell, Simpson of Piccadilly, Skyway, Stylite, Swedish IKA, Swaine Adeney, Tangaroa, Terrida, Textier France, The Royal Family Piccadilly, Timberland, Tosca, T. Anthony, Tivoli, Tom Bihn, Tony Cooper, Tusting, Tumi, Uber Bags, Valigia Borsone, Village Tannery Designs, Wehrmanns Wisconsin, Wheary, White Star, Wilt Roos Brothers, and other great brands.
Delight in my exclusive collection of Luggage Rack Suitcases crafted for classic cars such as the iconic MG TC TD TF, MGA, MGB, Austin Healey, Porsche, Triumph, and many others.
I am pleased to welcome you to my online boutique and invite you to share my eBay Name - Reederang with your circle of discerning travelers. With my signature swiftness, I dispatch your order the very next business day, via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx. I am a proud participant of eBay's Global Shipping Program, facilitating seamless international shipping from Kentucky, USA. Kindly note that eBay determines the international shipping costs.
As a testament to my commitment to excellence, I do not accept returns unless we have made a glaring mistake in the listing.
Fairwinds & Godspeed,
Reederang