Leather Handbag / Man-Bag / Cross-body Bag - Based on Vintage 1972 Swiss Army Map Bag.
Inspired by an original Swiss Army officer's map case (Kartentasche) in my collection from 1972, this piece has been re-imagined and slightly redesigned as a beautiful yet functional mid-sized bag.
These bags changed little from the 1920s to the 80s.
Easily big enough for your phone, keys and whatever other ecoutrements you need to survive the rigours of modern life. Or maps, in case you're an ex-Army officer and still gets lost easily. The choice is yours.
This bag is handmade using Bakers oak bark tanned leather - the last tannery in the UK to produce leather this way, it's quite simply one of the best leathers available anywhere. Find out more about how this unique hide is produced here.
Each bag has been painstakingly hand cut, saddle stitched and finished. There is no machine work here. Just like the Swiss master leather workers who made the originals, these bags are entirely hand made.
Hardware: Solid brass buckle and saddler's rivets.
Also available in London Tan - I've not made one in this colour yet, but you can see the hide in belt form here.
Approx dimensions:
Width: 25cm (9.85 inches)
Height: 18cm (7.1 inches)
Depth: 5,5cm (2 inches)
Handmade by Mark Larner of New Utility Clothing in November 2022.
This is my wife's bag - yours will be made to order. 2 to 3 week lead time.