My vintage 1960s Travel bar

Get a load of this nifty little piece I added to my drinkware collection back in 2014. I found it during a visit to the thrift store for the price of just $2.50.

1960s Travel Bar

This is not a piece of luggage in the traditional sense, and you sure wouldn't be using it to lug around your unmentionables or toiletries. No, it was reserved for something much more important. Booze!


1960s Platt Travel Bar

This was my vintage 1960s travel bar made by Platt luggage in Chicago Illinois. It measured in at 12.5" x 6" x 7.75" inches. Upon close inspection, it was obvious to me that this item had never been used. Inside I found a production sticker that no one ever bothered to remove, and the original warranty card and key to lock the case with.

All leather straps and snaps were in absolute perfect condition, and the aluminum drink-ware was neither scratched or tarnished. The outside of the case was in near mint condition and simply needed a good dusting and a once over with a damp cloth. 

The set contained shot glasses, stirrer, bottle opener, larger glass/shaker, and had enough space to hold a couple of decent sized bottles of booze. It also came with a pretty cool brochure. Here's what it read..

In six months it won't look like you've had it six years

Your new Platt case is a tough nut to crack.

It may get tossed around, dropped, bumped and bruised.

But it'll keep on looking good even when it gets old.

You see, at Platt, not only did the finest materials go into it, but also over 50 years of luggage-making experience.

That's why your beautiful new case has things like a lightweight yet tough outer skin that resists bumps, bruises, and scratches.

Positive closure locks that won't pop open when the going gets tough.

A rugged handle that won't break under a heavy load.

And an aluminum rim for extra strength.

All of which go to make it strong enough to stand up to just about anything.

And that's a guarantee.

Something else.

In making your new Platt case tough enough to take a jet age beating, we also made it easy to care for.

It'll wipe clean with just a cloth dampened in lukewarm water.  Add a little ordinary liquid detergent for stubborn dirt or grease smudges.

A dry, cool place is best for storage.

And one more thing.

It's been a pleasure doing business with you.

- Platt Luggage
    

I bought this case with the intention of flipping it on ETSY or eBay, but ended up holding onto it for several years, as it was just too dang cool to let go of. I had plans on using it to house an Absinthe kit, but usually ended up toting around Rum and Coca-Cola.

I ended up selling it during 'The great downsize of 2016' before I moved to Florida, and really miss it at times. I loved carrying it to parties and gatherings, and it was always quite the conversation piece. The travel bar had plenty of space to carry around a couple decks of cards and even a Domino set, further adding to the festivities. If I ever come across another one at a decent price, it will be tough to pass it by.