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Samsonite hat box suitcase from Mae's Millinery Shop

1941-1994

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Washington, D.C., United States

Light brown hard plastic Samsonite hat box suitcase with pale green synthetic fabric lining. The suitcase closes with two (2) metal spring-action latches on either side of the handle. The handle is made from a loop of brown plastic attached to the body of the suitcase with a metal bracket. A metal locking mechanism is above the handle and a metal plaque reading "Samsonite" is below the handle. There are four metal feet on the flat-bottomed edge of the suitcase. The lid opens with a single hinge on the flat-bottomed edge to reveal an open area on the bottom section of the suitcase with five (5) pockets with elastic top openings sewn along the upper side of the case. There is one (1) additional large pocket with an elastic top opening on the interior lid of the case. Two lengths of grosgrain ribbon can be attached to two additional lengths of ribbon with metal buckle loops on their ends, creating two straps for securing items in the open interior area of the case. There is a cream fabric manufacturer's label with burgundy embroidered text glued to the lining of the lid that reads "Samsonite / Luggage / STYLE 4620 / SHWAYDER BROS., INC. DENVER". A square sticker is adhered to the exterior lid of the case depicting a waving man standing under a gazebo in front of a large building with text along the bottom reading "HILTON / Bermuda". A clear plastic luggage tag is looped around the handle with a paper label inside that reads on one side "AA / American / Airlines" and on the other side "Mae Reeves / 41 N. 60th St. / Phila / P.A. 19139". An orange paper freight tag is looped around the handle with elastic string that reads on one side "DELTA AIR LINES / PHL / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania" and on the other side "PHL / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania / FLIGHT 1788 TO PHL / 299a / 298-491".

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  • Title: Samsonite hat box suitcase from Mae's Millinery Shop
  • Date Created: 1941-1994
  • Physical Dimensions: H x W x D: 17 1/2 × 18 1/4 × 7 1/4 in. (44.5 × 46.4 × 18.4 cm)
  • Subject Keywords: Women, Business
  • Medium: plastic, metal, synthetic fiber, and elastic
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

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