The uses and appearances of briefcases have changed over time. Early briefcases began in the 14th century as limp satchels used to carry money or othe...
The uses and appearances of briefcases have changed over time. Early briefcases began in the 14th century as limp satchels used to carry money or other valuables. The word budget, from the Latin word bulga, or the Irish word bolg, described these satchels uses.
In Paris in the early 1800's, Godillot used a hinged iron frame on these satchels. These bags were followed by the Gladstone and Rosebery which was an oval top bag. Men continued to use them to carry important papers as well as money.
In the early 20th century, wallets became the common way for carrying money, and satchels were rarely seen. Satchels continued to be carried by vagrants who carried items with them as they traveled on the road from town to town. Business people such as attorneys or barristers carried important documents to and from court in cloth or carpet satchels. This made a distinction in who carried what!
In the late 1850's, Jeremy Stenning invented the modern looking rectangular briefcase. It wasn't until the 1920's this early modern briefcase became popular, because they did not resemble the satchels that the vagrants carried on their travels. Attorneys began to carry these cases to transport the legal briefs back and forth to court, thus the name briefcase. Briefcases were now looked at as a status symbol, probably carried by a man with an office job. Today, briefcases are still used by people to carry business documents and even their lunches!
Various types of briefcases have been developed. One type is a portfolio. It is a case without handles meant to be carried by hand or under the arm. Another case is a folio that is really a portfolio with a handle that is retractable. An attache` case is a box styled case of leather or aluminum that is stretched over a hinged frame that opens into two compartments. It is traditionally carried by a diplomatic officer or military attache`.
Since a person will probably carry it for a long time, it pays to choose a briefcase that suits his/her needs. Consider these factors when choosing a briefcase, because the choice will send a message about the person who is carrying it.
Smooth, polished Italian leather gives a sophisticated look
Durability of material
Cost
Color choice includes black, brown, gray and more trendy colors
Overall weight
Overall size
Number and size of compartments and pockets
Matches your life style-casual, traditional, practical, etc
Zipper or buckle enclosures
Shoulder strap and/or handles
Over time, the briefcase has come a long way, making the use of an Italian leather briefcase limitless. Carrying not only documents, but gadgets, books, files, phone, laptop, and pens is now the norm. What is next?
