American Classics – Vintage Luggage

Modern day luggage has many conveniences, ball bearing wheels and extension handles for ease of use.  But there is something appealing about vintage portage and luggage styles.

My husband just brought home from his mother’s estate a set of vintage Halliburton luggage cases.  They originally belonged to his grandmother and they bear engraved plates with her name and Oklahoma address.


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The Zero Halliburton website gives us short historical background of the origin of these cases.


The aluminum travel and business case story begins in 1938 when Earle P. Halliburton, a globetrotting businessman, commissioned a team of aircraft engineers to design an aluminum case that could endure his constant and rough travel. These aluminum cases became renowned as Halliburton cases.

In 1946, independent of any relationship with Halliburton, a metal fabrication company called Zierold Company changed its name to Zero Corporation.

In 1952, Mr. Halliburton sold his travel case division to the recently created Zero Corporation, officially ending any Halliburton Company’s involvement in the making of aluminum cases. The new division was renamed Zero Halliburton.


My husband’s vintage cases are Halliburtons, they predate the acquisition of the company by the Zero Corporation.


I love these cases and I look forward to future trips traveling in style with my belongings inside.


I’ve always loved vintage cases and I have another set that I use whenever I travel by car. 


These cases are vintage Wheary luggage.  The train case was a yard sale purchase many years ago and I have carried it faithfully on many trips.  It was in very good condition when I purchased it but it now shows signs of a well traveled case.  I found the matching suitcase on eBay.  I use it for all my overnight business trips. 


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I love the interior of these cases.  They are lined with a rayon satin that has little W’s woven in as the pattern.  The train case has a removable tray. 


The Wheary Luggage Company was in Racine, Wisconsin and made fine luggage and wardrobe trunks in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. 


I get a lot of compliments from strangers when ever I am registering at hotels on my travels. 

15 thoughts on “American Classics – Vintage Luggage”

  4. Suzy, where in Oklahoma? I’m from Oklahoma. And my first thought when I saw those silver suitcases was, well, they won’t get lost on the luggage conveyor belt. They’ll stand out. I always look for luggage that will stand out, so I don’t always grab someone elses. But then travel these days is hell on earth, and I don’t go much of anywhere. Flying is out, and I’m not driving clear across the country. So guess I’ll stay home and be a fuddy-duddy and a Button Floozy!
    Brenda

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  5. Gorgeous old luggage! I have a few old plaid ones that I use in my studio to hold picture frames, art paper pads, and the like. They smell like old books (the good smell 🙂 and always make me smile. Kathy

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  7. I think you’ll get even more compliments from strangers when you use the alluminium ones! They look terrific! I have never seen vintage luggage sets like that here in Europe! I collect old suitcases and hatcases but I only have brown leather (or fake leather) ones. I use them for blankets and stuff.

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  9. I live in the town right next to Racine, WI. Wish I could find some of the luggage pieces layin around here..lol. Love the red satin..yummy!
    Hugz,
    Michele

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  11. Seriously wonderful luggage! And to find a train case that doesn’t have a stain from a spilled bottle of ladie’s toiletries???
    SCORE!!!

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  12. Wow! What a fabulous set! Very stylish.
    I love the look of vintage luggage and I do use a vintage train case…but, it would be hard for me to give up the convenience of wheels. LOL
    Kimberly 🙂

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  14. Hello,
    do you have shots of the insides of the Halliburtons?
    what’s the price please?
    many thanks

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