Orenstein Trunk Company Amelia Earhart Brand Luggage Overnight Case, 1943-1950

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THF169109 / Orenstein Trunk Company Amelia Earhart Brand Luggage Overnight Case, 1943-1950
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Artifact Overview

Famed aviator Amelia Earhart needed money to finance her flying--product endorsements provided a way. Introduced in 1933, the Amelia Earhart luggage line--marketed as "real aeroplane" luggage--was sturdy and lightweight. It sold well for decades--long after her 1937 disappearance attempting an around-the-world flight. Amelia Earhart's "brand" remained strong. Her name could still sell.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Suitcase

Date Made

1943-1950

Creators

Place of Creation

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Heroes of the Sky

Object ID

2017.44.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plywood
Cloth
Leather
Brass (Alloy)

Color

Light brown
Dark brown

Dimensions

Height: 16.25 in (open, on side)
Width: 15.25 in (open, on side)
Length: 14 in (open, on side)
Height: 13.25 in (closed, upright)
Width: 15.25 in (closed, upright)
Length: 5.5 in (closed, upright)

Inscriptions

on metal tag on top: Amelia Earhart / REG.US.PAT.OFF. / Newark, NJ on plywood tag, front: Amelia Earhart LUGGAGE / 2,232,835 / REG.US.PAT.OFF. / CUSHION EDGE / NEWARK, NJ on plywood tag, back: Light airplane construction / STRONG plywood thru-out / Handsome on identification tag, back: Amelia Earhart LUGGAGE on sales tag, front: Light / STRONG / Handsome / "CUSHION EDGE" REG U S. PAT. OFF / Amelia Earhart LUGGAGE / NEWARK 5, NEW JERSEY / COLOR NO. 81 / STYLE NO. 3900 / SIZE 15" / WT. 3 3/4 lbs. / PRICE $27.50 / FOR REORDERING / COLOR NO. 81 / STYLE NO. 3900 / SIZE 15" / Amelia Earhart LUGGAGE / NEWARK 5, N.J. pressed in each key handle: PRESTO
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