If you have been following my blog for a long time then you know that I just LOVE travelling. Seeing the world or even the city next door is always so much fun.
Now when I travel I usually have some form of luggage with me (as most people do), and when I’m picking up my luggage from the carousel there is always one brand that I see everytime….Samsonite.
So for today’s blog post I’m going to be focusing on their vintage ads from the 1940s to the 1960s.
Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.
Samsonite Vintage Advertising 1940s-1960s
About Samsonite (high level):
Samsonite was founded in Denver, Colorado in 1910. The Shwayder Brothers, the company’s original founders, manufacture robust wooden trunks.
1941: The Samsonite brand first appeared on the Streamlite suitcase, an innovative luggage line made by covering wooden frame with vulcanized fibre. The name “Samsonite” was chosen to stress the brand’s core values of strength and durability by taking its name from the Biblical character Samson, renowned for his strength.
1956: The jet age brought about the launch of Samsonite’s innovative lightweight luggage. For the first time, wooden box construction gave way to a shift toward lighter materials, initially magnesium and ABS.
1973-Today (Read the rest HERE).
During the better part of the last 100 years, they have not only commercialized but also revolutionized the luggage industry with innovating industry styles and fashion to help us, to help the world travel happier (Source).
The Vintage Advertising:
Are you going on a cruise (or travelling in general)? Chose Samsonite “First Class”..”First Class for rugged construction & First Class details”. -1948 vintage ad.
Further Reading: What to Wear on a Cruise-The 1930s-1950s Edition
Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop
Samsonite Hat Box Ad from 1955 featuring “The colorful Case of the Cover Girls by Samsonite. New Samsonite Hat Box only $15”.
I adore these!!
Source: Pinterest – Myvintagevogue
“Two never-before colors in Samsonite Silhouette…Willow & Deep Olive”. 1960s ad.
Source: Flickr
“Spring Travel Triumphs-Samsonite Fashiontone inspires new travel hats by John Frederics” (love the hats!) – 1951 vintage ad.
Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop
1950s or maybe early 1960s ‘Samsonite Train Case & Beauty Case Sale” advertisement. FIRST TIME EVER! I will take two please!
Source: Pinterest
“Samsonite…for happy holidays..all through the year” 1951 vintage ad.
Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop
“Santa says: If you want to be right…give SAMSONITE!” – 1954 vintage ad seen in a Life Magazine.
“For Her: The versatile Train Case…$17.50”
“For Him: Brief-and-overnight V.I.P. Case… $19.50”
Source: Etsy-SwellVintageAds
“OLE!” “introducing Samsonite Sentry the new Vivid Look in Luggage starting at only $19.94”. -1963 vintage ad featuring a Matador surrounded by luggage and a 1960s couple.
Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop
“This vacation…no matter which you take…your’re smarter to take Samsonite” – 1953 ad.
Source: eBay
1948 Advertisement: “Smart family portrait…Vacation 1948”. “Candid photo of a smart family, all set for a wonderful summer vacation…..”
(I love the mom’s outfit! The combo of a red hat with a pink two piece skirt suit is fantastic).
Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop
1950s vintage ad featuring college students on a weekend getaway.
Source: Pinterest
“If you traveled the way your luggage does, would you look as good as Samsonite?” 1967 Vintage Ad.
Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop
As we end this blog post, I just had to share this fun vintage photo. It is of a young woman holding luggage, accompanied by two older men also holding luggage, standing in the hallway of a dormitory. C. 1950s. I love the saddle shoes, and the excitement on the young woman’s face.
Source: Flickr
I hope you enjoyed this post! It was another fun one to put together.
Question time! Do you own a Samsonite (vintage or modern)? Are they as great as the ads make them seem (I do own one but curious on how others feel)? Where have you gone with your luggage? Share in the comments section below.
Vintage Shopping: Would you like to own your vintage Samsonite? I have created an Etsy “collection” of the vintage luggage that you can purchase right now. You can find it HERE.
FURTHER READING:
Thanks for dropping by the Vintage Inn. See you soon!
Liz
Did you know Samsonite introduced Lego to North America?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krF2Xy5iuq4
Really?! Wow I did not know. How cool! Thanks for sharing that really cool video as well. How fun!
Liz
How do you know if you have a complete set? I am trying to find a size guide or chart with sizes. I have 9 pieces of Colorado Brown all different sizes. I do have the makeup case and hat box. I know I am missing brief case. Any information will help.
Hi Lori,
I am actually not sure. You can look to see if there is Facebook groups or Reddit groups that specialize in talking about this subject. Maybe vintage catalogs that might be online? I’m sure there has to be something out there to help. 9 feels like a pretty close to me.
Good luck!
Liz