Possibly of German origin, a similar case to this one is noted as having been manufactured by Adolf Nater of Dresden around 1900. A case such as this example would have been a head-turning accessory for a wealthy gentleman or lady during a time of burgeoning global travel. The advent and growing popularity of ocean liners, railroad travel, private automobile ownership, and eventually commercial air travel led to an increasing number of people traveling for business and pleasure around the turn of the century. These new modes of travel led to innovation in luggage as well, with masterfully crafted, eye-catching bespoke pieces such as this one remaining incredibly desirable among affluent travelers wishing to proclaim their social and economic status. The exterior of this piece is wrapped in a dark brown crocodile skin, making prominent use of the "horned" back scales on top, the sides, and front. The locking latches are nickeled and both marked "587" (keys not included), and the handle is of matching crocodile skin with nickeled fittings. Th interior appears to be lined with a smooth, tan pigskin. There is a zippered pocket inside the lid and there are two buckled retention straps in the lower portion. The dimensions of the lower portion of the interior are 26 1/4 x 16 1/4 x 7 inches. The exterior measures 27 3/4 x 17 3/8 x 8 5/8 inches.

Fine, the crocodile skin exterior shows an attractively aged dark patina with contrasting light coloration on the "hornback" portions. There is some mild-moderate wear/tearing on some of the corners and edges, and a few spots of loose stitching. The interior is very good with a few light stains, minimal wear, and a small tear on the zippered pocket. This eye-catching, bespoke "hornback" suitcase would make a fantastic display piece alongside a refined sporting gun collection!