Stuff You Can’t Buy: Vintage Walrus Skin Doctor’s Bag
Published by Joel March 19th, 2007 in Clothes, Gadgets, Travel. Share This
The quest for the perfect bag continues. (I’m still leaning toward the Duluth plumber’s bag, despite warnings it may be crap.) But here’s a bag that, while not cut at all for a laptop, is dripping with character and possibly oil: an honest-to-god walrus-skinned doctor’s bag, as discovered at antique haven DARR. You can’t buy this one—it’s only available for rental. (Typical in expensive New York antique shops, who often rent to movie or theater productions.)
As interesting as the walrus bag may be, Cool Hunting suggests checking out DARR’s brother store just across the street. Called “Hollander and Lexer,” it’s a boutique for men that includes a lot of vintage equipment. (Which certainly means it’s out of my price range at the moment, but as it’s based in Brooklyn, it might still warrant a longing look.)
DARR: Walrus Doctor’s Bag [CoolHunting]
I considered a walrus Doctor’s bag a while ago and decided against it due to the tendency to break down with wear (100 year old leather isn’t always so supple, y’dig?).
For what it’s worth, I was finding them on eBay all day long for $25 - $150, depending on condition and whim of the seller. When I was looking a few months ago they were so common I had to specifically exclude “walrus” from my search in order to get to the stuff I was after.
Shalimar, a German leather goods company, makes a modern doctor’s bag. Freakin’ beautiful.
http://cgi.ebay.com/EDLE-DOKTORTASCHE-HEBAMMENKOFFER-v-SHALIMAR-FREI-HAUS_W0QQitemZ190067070526QQcategoryZ108285QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
Have recently acquired a walrus skin bag similar to your photo but with more external hardware in brass.Correct about brittleness of old leather,I intend to remake in croc or caimen.The doctors bag style was popular in Australia in the 40’s ,50’s &60’s as a hold all for labourers,miners and anyone who carried their lunch to work and a few bottles of beer home after the pub closed.I am remaking these bags with modern leathers and hides after reconditioning the metalware(sandblasting,powdercoating,rechrome,new springs for the lock)They look pretty good even if I do say so myself Graham Harries,Tamworth,Australia.
Graham, I would love to see some pics of the bags that you are renovating. I would love to acquire one in shark skin. Let me know!!
Serapion,Scanner currently at doctors.Two forms of shark currently available,rough-as in the natural state,and”newbuck”a soft,low pile suede;neither of which are particularly distinctive.Might I suggest something in emu-a finer version of ostritch,quite distinctive with a fine grain and a natural sheen.Graham.
To any who read this,How does a net incompetant get a picture on this site? Graham,Master Craftsman,Net incompetant.
I am interested in Dr. Bags in ostrich, emu or walrus.
Have any?