Discuss Swaine Adeney Brigg cases

[bboysdontcryy]

Ahh 2010. Well, I placed an order for an umbrella from Brigg, from their store in London, and received it in a week. It was cheaper than at Sterling and Burke though I recommend that you ring up their store in London to ask for the prices sans VAT.

 

[Lawfor]

I also had a poor experinece with Classic Luggage. While I don't want to go into the details here, I won't be ordering from them again.

 

[JL724]

I purchased a Westminster SS from Classic Luggage earlier this year and had no real issues with my order. The younger sales associate I dealt with was slow to answer my e-mails but once I got in touch with the manager (Susan??? -- who was based in another location) I had no problems whatsoever. My order arrived within the time they quoted.

I think the majority of the problems people have with Classic Luggage aren't their fault, but rather the poor information they get from SAB. Remember, SAB just went through bankruptcy last year so there were obviously problems within the organization. Problems with production, meeting orders timely, etc.

 

[bboysdontcryy]

Did you purchase a ready made model? I'm quite befuddled as to how that could have happened since I placed an order for a Westminister SS a year-ish ago, and if they actually made your bag and sent it to you instead of fulfilling my older order first, then I think something is clearly wrong.

 

[RJE]



Ah, then the rumours of SAB's death have been greatly exaggerated.

Actually...

Some speculation; some fact. The business was sold three years ago, by the family which had owned it since the 1980s, to an individual who lives in Norfolk. A sale had probably been on the cards for a couple of years beforehand, although not necessarily due to issues in the business itself.

I don't think Papworth went with the deal, but I don't know. The new owner intended setting up manufacturing in Norfolk - and jobs have been advertised locally for some time. However, the new owner has just taken on an old Acquascutum factory near Corby (a shortish distance from the owner), so plans may change.

No idea about London premises. I think they'd be better off in a smaller store on Jermyn St, but there are other streets they might prefer.

I'll leave any further speculation for offline discussion .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-19086785
http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/local/jobs-for-former-aquascutum-workers-at-corby-1-4122724

 

[bengal-stripe]



No idea about London premises. I think they'd be better off in a smaller store on Jermyn St, but there are other streets they might prefer.

The St James's Street store has been closed for several months. There are still signs of a "Relocation Sale", but now all the windows are white-washed and all the shop fittings are ripped out. Neither is there any notice about the new premises or the planned opening date.

The contact section of the website states only in a very non-committal way

Our new London store will be opening Autumn 2012

http://www.swaineadeney.co.uk/contact/index.html

At present, Swaine Aideney Brigg is just an on-line business. Whether or not they will have a brick and mortar store again, only time will tell.

 

[Ich_Dien]



The St James's Street store has been closed for several months. There are still signs of a "Relocation Sale", but now all the windows are white-washed and all the shop fittings are ripped out. Neither is there any notice about the new premises or the planned opening date.
The contact section of the website states only in a very non-committal way
At present, Swaine Aideney Brigg is just an on-line business. Whether or not they will have a brick and mortar store again, only time will tell.

Makes sense really...there was never anyone in the shop.

 

[HEPennypacker]

Sad! I'm going to London for the Olympics and had hoped to stop by. Glad I got my bag when I did...

 

[casemaker]

Interesting thread, good for me to know what people think, need, want from a case. SAB shop still closed last week. But there are other makers in the UK

 

[rabiesinfrance]

I liked the shop, though I found it slightly intimidating. I felt that I shouldn't touch anything, and if I did I'd have a sales assistant breathing down my neck. The bags were far too heavy. There's no way I'd spend £1000 on one of their bags. I wonder why they didn't make a lighter flap-over stye, which would tick the smart briefcase/laptop bag box.

 

[HEPennypacker]



The bags were far too heavy.

Compared to what? Nylon? Canvas? Sure, leather will be heaver than either of those. But I still wouldn't consider my bag to be "heavy."

 

[Lear]

Still using my grandfather's leather briefcase (made in UK). No amount of money can recreate the patina that comes from the 'old stuff'. With Brigg, you're buying something that'll be passed down through the generations; truly old to the next generation. I have NEVER regretted high quality leather purchases. Don't even get me started on horse hide leather jackets... no, I really mean don't get me started. There's nothing like carrying a case with history to it... your history.

Same applies to their umbrellas. Brigg can repair/re-craft until the handle is worn down to a toothpick.

Put another way: not having that daily Costa Coffee Mocha with cream, 4 x flakes & marshmallows would pay for a Brigg within a year. See what I've done there. Problem solved

Lear

 

[VRaivio]

Great thread. I can't help you with the purchase anymore, but sharing as caring: here's my SAB top-frame briefcase for BB's Peal series. Machine-stitched, but the leather used is the sublime thing of SAB's. London Tan with green pigskin lining. Plenty of room without bulky looks.

 

[Patek]

Cross post from another thread for your comments.

Has anyone on here heard of Simon Barker (SF handle casemaker) or purchased any of his bags? I have been looking for a SAB type bag but have been loath to spend $2k+ for the bag I want. I saw pictures of this guy’s bags here on SF and started talking with him. Here are some excerpts from his emails:
“…I have been a casemaker full time for over 25 years, don't employ staff, so everything is made by me. The case we are looking at, takes over 25 hour to make, as I said, is double hand stitched entirely, apart from the partition boards top binding. The front and back panel is made from Bridle butt ( a much better cut than the more usual bridle shoulder, and at double the price, if SAB don't say butt, which they don't, then you have to assume shoulder )
I do not line the front and back panels, because the leather is well finished, and will age well, and attain it's own patina, and applied linings are likely to stain and wear poorly. The partition boards are lined with a glazed pigskin lining, that is made as a shoe lining leather, that I have found to be extremely well wearing.
The case body straps are bridle butt, hand stitched, not riveted, the same with the detachable shoulder strap. all fittings are polished brass. I have not yet had a hand stitched case returned to me for repair, in more than 25 years, so I guess that says something!...”
“…£920 + £65 for the extra corners + freight at cost, and you may have import duties.

The SAB case you have asked about, would be, I stock, but don't like them because they put the handle off center, when in the 'wrong' hole…”think less than £920, because there are no straps and strap chapes to deal with, however, the pocket details would add to the work? I do not currently have any 'padding' suitable for the center partition, but in my view, it should be almost impossible for a laptop to be damaged in the center pocket? Also I see that SAB have used a thin leather wrapped around board for the F and Back panels, I would use 3.5 - 4mm Sedgewicks Bridle Butt, MUCH more durable, and a better quality of leather. The back and front panels would not be lined.

It would be entirely hand stitched, except for the partition top binding. You would be able to specify pocket dimensions and other details…”
Any comments on his take on SAB quality?
Any other suggestions for a bag?
Pictures of casemaker's bag that I am considering:

 

[celery]

That's beautiful work, if you have the funds, go for it.