"--Beautifully crafted briefcase that will last a long long time, but beware. -- Pros: 1: Overall the briefcase design is very nice and I think it is suitable for business casual or formal. You will slowly build the patina up when you use it everyday. 2: Smells amazing and nice texture as well. Cons and suggestions: 1: The back outside pocket is not a good design and I think it will be a weak point in the far future if you use it everyday. As you can see in the pictures, the back pocket is made from 1 piece of leather (same piece) as the back, it is literally just a cut to create a pocket, there is no lining/ material to protect the edge, I think it will eventually create a crack and the back will rip off in the far future of the bags lifespan. (I am not going to use the back pocket to prevent this) 2: It will be nice to have metal legs at the bottom or at least an extra piece of leather to protect the bottom. Overall: 8/10 definitely a buy it for life bag."
No.541 Chicago Shell Briefcase | Horween® Black Cordovan
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PRE-ORDER LIMITED EDITION | Only x5 Available
This is currently in-production now with a ship date of Late July 2026
The No.541 is an exclusive and very limited edition briefcase made in micro-batch quantities. The original design was inspired from the classic 80’s style attaché hard cases. The No.541 is our first and only briefcase made entirely from genuine Horween® Shell Cordovan and Horsehide Strip leather. Introduced in 2026, the No.541 delivers the functionality of an executive attache with modern styling, premium leather and materials, 100% tanned and built in USA.
THE DESIGN | An Organized Semi-Hard Case
Our most structured men's semi-hard briefcase built with a structured body and a top carry handle reinforced with a steel bar for structure and weight support. The interior is fully lined with premium 10oz. herringbone cotton lining imported from Japan. The fabric is made by Yoshiwa Millls in Japan and is a shuttle loom woven fabric, for supreme quality, durability and texture. The top handle is comfortable in the hand and the steel bar supports more weight than is needed. The No.541 is our only briefcase that uses a hand-polished, #8 Excella® brass zipper. These are symmetrical, highly polished and true "luxury quality" zippers that are made in Japan. The two double brass pullers extend almost completely around the face, making access to the interior easier than the typical top-zip briefcases. The back panel has a 11” brass zipper pocket that is lined with genuine suede and a rear trolly strap to attach to rolling luggage.
Includes a double-layered 1" shoulder strap also made from Horween® horsehide, along with the adjustable snap-on shoulder pad.
100% HORWEEN HORSEHIDE | Genuine Horween® Shell Cordovan
The No.541 is made entirely from Horween® horsehide leather. The front and back faces are each cut from an entire Horween® Shell, along with the top handle wrap and all four D-ring holders. The bottom, side and top gusset panels are made from Horween® horsehide strips, the section of the horsehide that sits just above the "Shell".
Horween® Shell Cordovan (Horse Hindquarter or Rump)is one of the most sought after and expensive leathers in the world, for a reason. The glass-like shine and extreme durability is ideal for small leather-goods, cases, folios & wallets. There is really no other comparable leather in the world. Artisanal tanned in Chicago for more than a century, genuine Horween® Shell Cordovan is in a class of it's own.
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Limited Edition Series | USA
Made In The USA
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Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 1 reviews.
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