More Than 40 Years Ago — My Hartmann Trunk
It’s been over forty years now.
Back then, I bought a classic trunk made by Hartmann.
Hartmann was an American brand—once favored by U.S. presidents over the years.
Even at the time, it was rare to see someone with one.
But it didn’t seem particularly strange. Just… refined in its own quiet way.
Looking at it now, its design feels undeniably old-fashioned.
Still, the more I used it, the more I grew attached to it.
Trip after trip, it became a reliable companion.
But time moves on.
Convenient rolling suitcases became the norm,
and my Hartmann began to feel like a relic from the 20th century.
Of course, it had wheels.
But not the kind with sleek, telescopic handles like today’s models.
Instead, there was a thick strap on the side—you’d pull it behind you as it rumbled along the floor.
The tiny wheels didn’t do well on cobblestone streets in Italy.
In the end, it was easier to just carry it by hand.
—I guess it’s hard to imagine for people today.
Most have probably never even seen a trunk like that.
My Hartmann Carry Bag
Still, I couldn’t let it go.
For years, I kept that old Hartmann trunk by my side.
Eventually, though, I gave in and switched to a rolling suitcase.
The trunk became just something that took up space—
and with a heavy heart, I let it go.
The suitcase I chose? Still a Hartmann, of course.
It was an upgrade, sure. But compared to today’s sleek models, it still feels a bit old-school.
First of all, the wheels are loud—really loud.
It only has two wheels, and in crowded places, someone occasionally trips over it.
I try to be careful, but I can’t help feeling a little guilty each time.
When I pull it, it often bumps into the back of my legs unless I’m really paying attention.
There’s a trick to pulling it just right—to keep it from hitting your heels.
But maybe those awkward parts… are what make it lovable.
Even now, for domestic trips, I still bring this old bag along.
The Hartmann Business Bag
That wasn’t the end of it.
My love for Hartmann grew stronger—and before I knew it, I had bought one of their business bags too.
It was designed to slide perfectly over the handle of the carry bag, becoming one seamless unit.
I always thought it looked pretty cool. (Though maybe that’s just me.)
Once, Hartmann was a prestigious brand, favored even by U.S. presidents.
Its belting leather was tough, the stitching meticulous, and it carried itself with a quiet sense of pride.
But over time, things began to change.
Even someone like me, no expert, could tell the quality of the materials was declining.
Eventually, the company was bought by Samsonite.
And that proud glow—the one I used to admire—is nowhere to be found now.
In Old Hollywood Films
Sometimes, while watching an old Hollywood movie, I catch a glimpse of a Hartmann trunk in the corner of the screen.
Most people probably don’t even notice.
But I do—and when I spot one, I can’t help but feel a little happy.
It’s kind of like when I see an air-cooled Beetle in an old film.
I pause, rewind, and frame through the scene just to be sure.
And when I confirm it—yes, it really is—I smile again.
Little moments like that have become part of how I enjoy movies.
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