Posted 12 years ago
bags
(13 items)
Measures 24"x 6" with a slight taper. Well made of olive colored canvas and dark brown leather. White felt lining in all 3 compartments. V.L.&A. Chicago stamped on one flap and G1435 20 63W on another. Something to hold equipment or parts of a weapon?
From :>http://www.vintagegunleather.com/company-marks/vonlengerke_history.html
The Von Lengerke & Antoinne, or V L & A, Partnership was formed in early 1891, and quickly became a very prominent Sporting Goods Retailer in Chicago Located ultimately at 335 Wabash Avenue in Downtown Chicago. The V L & A Partnership was formed as an extension of a New York Sporting Goods Retail Company known as Von Lengerke & DeMond which was started a short time prior to V L & A. At the same time, in New York, another prominent Sporting Goods Retailer was starting business in 1892 called Abercrombie & Fitch. The significance to this is for many years, from 1892 through 1938, these 2 retailers not only fought for market share catering to an upscale customer base, but both retailers also used the same motto "GREATEST SPORTING GOODS RETAILER IN THE WORLD".
Like Abercrombie & Fitch, the Von Lengerke & Antoinne products were from the finest manufacturers, and appealed to an upscale clientele. Pertinent to what we do, here are a few of the product lines they sold: H. H. Heiser, George Lawrence Company, Colt, and Winchester, among a large array of goods offered both through catalog ordering or by going to the retail store. In 1938, the V L & A Chicago Company after losing faith in the public eye was bought out by Abercrombie & Fitch, although they did operate under the V L & A name until the closing of the store in the early 1960s. The downfall of V L & A can be somewhat associated with their less than attractive history in Chicago from the late 1920s through the late 1930s when the company sold out.
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Looks like a carry case for a shotgun that breaks down.
A shotgun is quite possible. I was thinking a rifle used in competition. Three compartments would allow for a scope, barrel and stock. Regardless it looks made to last a lifetime. Very nice.
Thanks Pop_abides You put Me on the right track. Its a Vintage Take Down Case for a Shotgun. The compartments are for the barrel, stock and cleaning rod. V.L.&A. is an interesting Company. It makes sense it was a high end store because this case is very well made. Great story and Thank You again.