Hi. I am new to this forum and I was hoping for some assistance in identifying the maker and approximate year of a briefcase I acquired. I has a diamond pattern fabric and heavy leather trim. The 2 combination locks are PRESTO (stamped "3 2051"). The case did have a collection of WWII pictures taken in Europe if that is a clue to its age.
It has similar features to a 1930s suitcase I sold - the metal corners, banded contrast edges. This is a lot higher quality however with the leather handle and interior pockets. I'm not sure when the combination clip locks were invented so I'd suggest looking up the patent for those but I think your briefcase could be 1920s?
Thanks for the information. I just wish there was some branding, since I believe this is a very high quality case and I am surprised the maker didn't leave a mark.
Sorry I have made my wording clearer. I don't know that they did. I had suitcases, not briefcases, so they only had the flap and push lock with keyhole on either side, but it stands to reason that briefcases did used to be for carrying high value documents and sometimes items. I would definitely research that particular combination lock on the international patent office before going further.
