Swaine Adeney Paternoster Laptop Briefcase

[Jonst]

1. Introduction

I have been looking for a quality leather briefcase for a while. Something big enough to hold a laptop, a fair quantity of paper, pens (naturally!) and other odds and sods like a sandwich, ipod, phone etc. I started looking at Saddleback and although I like the designs they are a little rustic for my requirements and I don't need a bag that will last 100 years and I don't want my grandchildren fighting over it when I am dead - the cheapskates can by their own bag! My search led me on to other brands like Mitchell Leather and Tanner Krolle, but nothing quite seemed to fit the bill. Eventually I landed on Gfeller's Diamond Creek Satchel and, with encouragement from FPN member Alecgold, I finalised a specification with Gfeller's owner, Steve Derricott. However, I had my birthday shortly after I had finalised the specication with Steve and my wife surprised me with this Swaine Adeney briefcase.

 

2. Initial Impressions

Stunning!

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt9/GWIS/SAB%20Paternoster/003.jpg

 

The briefcase comes in a burgundy cloth bag and opening the bag reveals a gorgeous piece of leatherwork and a lovely leather smell. The leather of this case is "Dark London Tan", which is an orangy brown colour. In bright sunlight the colour is very vibrant but indoors it is more muted. I also believe that with age it will darken and develop a nice patina.

 

3. Specification

 

The briefcase is made with single ply English vegetable tanned bridle leather. Essentially it is thick, strong leather which is intended to be very durable. There appear to be three large pieces of leather which make up the main structure of the case (one piece each for the front and back and another for the sides and bottom). The leather is thick enough and strong enough to enable the case to stand on its own, unsupported. These Swaine Adeney cases are hand sewn, rather than sewn using machines, at the factory in Cambridge. I am not qualified to tell whether there is any material difference in quality between a hand sewn and machine sewn case but the fact that it is hand sewn seems to add a touch of romance and history to it. Certainly, to my untrained eye, the quality of the stitching seems excellent.

 

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt9/GWIS/SAB%20Paternoster/011.jpg

 

There are three main compartments inside the case, the middle one of which is lined with green sueded pig skin and impact resistant foam and is intended to house a laptop. It comfortably fits my medium sized laptop.

 

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt9/GWIS/SAB%20Paternoster/010.jpg

 

The other compartments have enough room for all my other stuff, although by dividing up the space into three I imagine that I will be restricted about the size of paper files which I will be able to carry witin the case.

 

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt9/GWIS/SAB%20Paternoster/009.jpg

 

 

There is a flat pocket on the rear of the case for newspapers, tickets etc and there is a zippered opening to allow the case to be attached to a trolley.

 

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt9/GWIS/SAB%20Paternoster/006.jpg

 

The exterior dimensions of the case are 17 x 13 x 5.5" (43 x 33 x 14cm) and I believe the weight is around 3 kilos (certainly not featherweight but not unbearable either). The hardware is all solid cast brass, which again is made in England.

 

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt9/GWIS/SAB%20Paternoster/001.jpg

 

The case comes with a detachable shoulder strap. It seems quite short, even when fully extended, but it is long enough for me to have the case hanging off one shoulder or cross body.

 

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt9/GWIS/SAB%20Paternoster/012.jpg

 

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt9/GWIS/SAB%20Paternoster/004.jpg

 

There is limited dedicated storage inside, just two small, shallow pockets in the front compartment and two pen loops. If you carry electronic items and accessories you will probably need to buy separate pouches to store items in. I am currently using a pouch from Tom Bihn.

 

3. Price

 

High! The current list price is £1,485, inclusive of 20% VAT. Fortunately my wife was able to pick up this case for £1,000 since Swaine Adeney are about to move shop in London and so they were offering discounts to clear stock.

 

4. Pros and Cons

 

Pros:

 

- it is absolutely gorgeous;

- it is beautifully made and I am confident that it will last my working lifetime and beyond and if anything does break Swaine Adeney have confirmed that they will be able to repair it (at a price no doubt!);

- it holds quite a volume of stuff and is sufficient for my every day purposes, although perhaps the three compartments might be a bit restrictive for large files;

- my laptop seems well protected in the middle compartment;

- barring major damage, I expect every day use to cause the case to develop a patina so that it improves over the years.

 

Cons:

 

- the list price is high and that is what lead me to Gfeller, but if you can get one of these tax free and/or in a sale then I think the price is worth it;

- the shoulder strap has nothing in the way of padding, so it may become uncomfortable if you are carrying the case fully loaded for extended periods;

- the lack of dedicated storage space may be an issue for some but this can be addressed by buying separate pouches or cases;

- at 3 kilos empty it is not light but personally the weight has not been an issue for me.

 

In conclusion, the price originally put me off Swaine Adeney's offerings but the quality of their products shines through, so if my wife hadn't bought it for me as a gift and if I had been able to buy it at a discount, I definitely would have snapped it up.

 

All the best

 

Jon

Edited June 4, 2012 by Jonst

[Classics]

Congrats on your new bag. Love the color

 

I was looking at the Chestnut for a bit, but can not commit the price.

 

regards,

Classics

[Jonst]

Congrats on your new bag. Love the color

 

I was looking at the Chestnut for a bit, but can not commit the price.

 

regards,

Classics

 

Thanks Classics. I agree that the normal retail price is steep but hopefully longevity will justify it.

 

Jon

[goldiesdad]

Great color on that baby ... Looks like to will age gracefully ...

 

Scratches and dings only enhance the charm of it so don't worry about ...

[Jonst]

Great color on that baby ... Looks like to will age gracefully ...

 

Scratches and dings only enhance the charm of it so don't worry about ...

 

Thanks Goldiesdad.

 

Without wishing my life away, I want to fast forward 10/15 years and have it worn in and softened up nicely. At the moment it is quite stiff as well as being quite vibrant.