Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Vintage Thingies Thursday

It's here again, that wonderful day of the week so waste no time after visiting me in going over to Colorado Lady's blog to see what else is showing today!
I had almost forgotten about the two treasures below, they were stashed in the back of my walk-in closet.
They were given to me by my grandparents [Dad's parents] for my 21st birthday in '60's-I guess that makes me older than dirt!
Back then, a nice set of luggage was essential for the well- set up young lady and Grandma and Grandad wanted to be sure I was appropriately equipped- there was no way I was going to be allowed to take any journeys with mismatched luggage!
These are made by Regal luggage and originally I had three pieces, the third was a large suitcase that I discarded along the way, somewhat damaged by travel trauma! In hindsight, I would probably now not let it go, but we were moving around the globe with four children and anything not essential got left behind!

This first piece is a make-up case, very sturdy and fairly heavy even empty! It was popular back before we had to worry about what our luggage weighed, right? No one those days was paying $50 for an overweight bag!

It too is a little the worse for a great deal of wear and tear, it has travelled many, many miles. My make-up necessities were very safe in such a well made item.

This is a real blast from the past, a hat case! It still has a few of the travel stickers and it's quite huge to hold the largest of hats. Those days no proper lady went anywhere much without a hat- obviously I come from a very traditional family, never went "to town"[in my case the city of Sydney] to church or any other function without a hat. I loved hats, my favorite hat store was in the Imperial Arcade in Sydney, owned by a Hungarian lady. I would save up and pay fifteen pounds, a great deal of money for a student, three weeks plus living allowance in college, for a delectable ornament for my head!
If I was in dire straits and needed a new hat I could always go to the June Millinery I think it was also in the Imperial Arcade, and purchase the necessary to design my own hat and I often did just that!

The hats here haven't been worn for years- perhaps I need to give them away...... but then what would I keep in this wonderful hat case?

21 comments:

Keetha Broyles said...

I love these pieces.

Our daughters were given an old make-up case of about this vintage when they were kids. I never once THOUGHT to keep it and cherish it. They used it for play make-up and doll clothes. I'm not even sure what happened to it!

Coloradolady said...

What great memories to go with these luggage pieces. I'd keep the hats right were they are....and the piece with the luggage stickers....I love that. Have a great VTT and a wonderful weekend.

Ruby said...

I have never seen a hat case. I have some cardboard hat boxes. Love it!! I collect the makeup or what I call train cases. I use them for storage of different needle work stuff. Fabric, threads, ribbon. I have seen some painted and very dolled up. Haven't tried that route yet! Great post.

Postcardy said...

This reminded me that I had a hat case before I was old enough for a real set of luggage. I remember using it for doll stuff, but I can't remember if I ever used it for travel. I know I never used it for hats.

LV said...

You have a keeper with that bag. They do no make them like that anymore. I have an overnight one as well that was my mothers. It is in mint condition, but I do not use it. Just keep it in memory of her. Enjoyed your visit and comment.

Unknown said...

I love old luggage. I am in the process of painting one with teddy bears for a little girl's over-night stay at grandma's. I am going to refurbish the inside too. You could also make it into a dress up box for little girls. The hat box is great for sewing things. Of course, I think they look newer and more user friendly after I paint it. But that's my opinion. I love to reuse,recycle, recreate. Hope this inspires you.

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Unknown said...

Wow, you know I bought 3 suitcases at a yard sale ages ago. When the word was old, not vintage. lol.. and I use them for storing things but I love them....

CC said...

I love the hat case and the pretty hat. I've never worn hats much,but I've always thought they were gorgeous. Happy VTT..have a lovely weekend.

Gramma 2 Many said...

I was never fortunate enough to have anyone who was able to gift me with such fine gifts. I do however, currently own an circa 60 suitcase that I still use. I do not use it on the airplane, but when I travel by car I always take it. I also have a sweet little train case that I use for just decoration in my granddaughters room. I love them and love using them. I really enjoy looking at your vintage treasures and often think I should join in the fun.

Unknown said...

I have always wanted one of those classic make up cases!

Lynn E said...

I have a luggage set similiar to yours but I don't have a hat box. I use my vanity case for storing my hair pieces and other little nothings for my Powwow regalia

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

Hi Roslyn!
I have neer seen the hat box piece of luggage before! What a great piece to find!!

Happy VTT!

viridian said...

That old luggage was so heavy! But there USED to be porters and bellhops with carts to help. And the luggage did not get destroyed in transit.

★Carol★ said...

I love your old luggage, especially that hat case! I had no idea that they were a part of luggage sets. They sure don't make it like they used to. Even the brand name is wonderful. Regal! Do keep the hats! It's so charming with there actually being hats in there!
Happy VTT!
Carol

Robin Ennis Willson said...

Neat! You should've seen my set from the early 70's that I got for a graduation present. They were beautifully made, and heavy, but bright orange!

Maureen said...

In addition to my love of vintage graphics, I love vintage suitcases. I have picked up several over the years at yard sales, etc. Look at the beautiful satin inside and you can see just looking at the hardware that it's good and solid.

Why not take you hat out and fit it into your decor somewhere?

Lindah said...

Ah, yes, the proper luggage! Your pics brought back memories. When I turned 16, my folks gave me a Samsonite cosmetic case, my first real suitcase. A wonderfully useful case for many years... first my single gal cosmetics and then later, my babies' travel needs. Those old cases were sturdy. I used it for 30+ years until it was stolen in a house break-in in the late 90's. I now have my mom's case which she used as a sewing case. It is staying that way, complete with her 20-cent cards of hooks and eyes and snaps, etc. Those old cases could probably tell some interesting stories!

Gari in AL said...

I turned 21 in the 60's: older than dirt? And I remember similar cases in my far distant past. But all of mine fell apart prior to being discarded. I guess we traveled a lot more in those days.

Marie said...

I adore vintage traveling cases like this, I have a vintage train case I picked up at a charity store that's just right for a weekend away! You have some nice treasures here.

marian said...

i love vintage suitcases & hatboxes!..great for storing fabrics & wool and lots of other stuff too!

Anonymous said...

I just helped my mom clean out a closet and have 3 "vintage" suitcases I'm considering what to do with. She wanted to keep the two little makeup cases (not sure why). In reading the comments here, it makes me think I should find a way to keep them rather than take to thrift store.......