Suitcase production
GMTB suitcase
Suitcases are items of practical use. Young and old, man, woman and child - almost everyone uses a suitcase at some time or another to transport or store their belongings.
Suitcases, attaché cases, sales rep's cases, vanity cases, children's suitcases, tool cases, camera cases or doctor's cases - there is a case or suitcase for almost every function imaginable.
The modern German word for suitcase, "Koffer", comes from the French word "coffre" (the root of English "coffer"), Latin "cophinus" (basket) and the Old German word "kober" (basket, handbag). In the sixteenth century "coffre" replaced the old German word for suitcase, "Truhe", and has long entered colloquial German. Various idioms involving "Koffer" - with meanings such as "live out of a suitcase" and "pack one's bags and leave" - are now firmly part of the German language.
Car case, 1916
From handicraft to industrial production
The first suitcases were heavy wooden boxes covered with leather. There were also light wicker suitcases covered with impregnated canvas, but these were not so sturdy. Vulcanized fibre suitcases were produced from the 1920's to the early 1960's. Vulcanized fibre, one of the oldest synthetic materials, is made by chemical transformation of paper. It is an extremely strong, light material that is also water-repellent. Another low-priced variety of material in use from the 1930's was impregnated hard cardboard.
Suitcases were produced in small workshops into the nineteenth century. Joiners made wooden boxes that pursemakers covered with leather. Locksmiths then attached metal fittings, hinges and locks. These production processes were brought together in factories in the mid-nineteenth century when the increase in holiday traffic saw a rise in the demand for suitcases. The way was open for the mass-produced suitcase. Numerous suitcase factories emerged in the USA and Europe between 1870 and 1930.
From cardboard to suitcase
At the workshop of the German Museum of Technology Berlin, demonstrator Manfred Schweiss uses historical machines and sturdy hard cardboard to produce suitcases in the style of the 1920's. At demonstration sessions visitors have the unique opportunity to watch the fascinating conversion of cardboard into suitcases.
Our suitcase develops in approx. 20 work procedures. Come and take a look at Mr. Schweiss´ workshop.
High proportion of women - low wages
There was always a high proportion of women employed in suitcase production. The work did not usually require an apprenticeship. Women were preferred as cheap, unskilled labour. They were credited with greater dexterity and precision. Women were also assumed to be provided for by their husbands and thus often received even lower wages than men did at that time. Even today the ratio of skilled to unskilled workers in suitcase production is one to three.
We are grateful to all partners for their generous support of the project:
BREE
Bundesverband Lederwaren und Kunststofferzeugnisse e.V.
koffermoebel.de
RIMOWA
ROX Koffer und Taschen
Samsonite