Leather Suitcase by Drew & Sons of Piccadilly, London, 1903-14

An exceptional leather trunk by renown luggage makers Drew & Sons. This is a fine, heavy suitcase in extremely clean condition with high quality brass fittings. The tan coloured pig skin has darkened over time to a deep brown. The inside is lined in a very dark green leather with a green cloth pocket and original straps. There is one repair where the leather is split. The suitcase is stamped ‘Drew & Sons Makers, Piccadilly Street London’ above the lock.

Originally founded in 1844 by Samuel Summers Drew, Drew & Sons gained a reputation for high end leather goods and military campaign furniture, enjoying the patronage of the Royal Family and most of the courts of Europe. They were based at 33 Piccadilly Circus from 1887 to 1914, after which they moved to Regent Street. They also had premises at 155 Leadenhall Street, London and 42 Kings Road, Brighton. Their manufactories were located at Burlington Buildings, Heddon Street and at Hatton Gardens, London. In 1900, Samuel Summers Drew and Ernest Drew branched out into gold and silver, entering their own silver mark in 1914. The firm became Drew & Sons in 1903.