Pilot Briefcase
Late 20th Century French Desk Sets
Leather
2010s Briefcases and Attachés
Early 2000s French Briefcases and Attachés
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
Vintage 1920s English British Colonial Trunks and Luggage
Leather
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s Italian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s Belt Bags
Vintage 1950s American More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés
2010s French Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Cuff Bracelets
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
2010s European Stud Earrings
Gold Plate
1990s French Top Handle Bags
Early 2000s French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
2010s Italian Fashion Rings
Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Aesthetic Movement Chain Necklaces
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
1990s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
Recent Sales
2010s Briefcases and Attachés
2010s French Briefcases and Attachés
Early 2000s French Briefcases and Attachés
Early 2000s French Briefcases and Attachés
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
1950s French Briefcases and Attachés
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
21st Century and Contemporary Briefcases and Attachés
20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Suitcases and Trunks
21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés
Finding the Right briefcases-attaches for You
Vintage and designer briefcases and attachés are the most common varieties of personal luggage. Whether you’re commuting daily or working from home more often and occasionally heading into the city for meetings, a briefcase or slim attaché case can be a fashionable and functional accessory when you’re on the go.
So, what is the difference between a briefcase and an attaché?
The difference is subtle. It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re not eyeing a vintage tote bag or messenger bag because your needs are a bit more specific, one of these items may be for you.
The term “briefcase” emerged from the legal field because lawyers typically carried their briefs to court in leather cases. Briefcases are usually flat and rectangular and are outfitted with a lock to protect the contents. They may feature a sleeve or large exterior pocket for easy accessibility. Today, briefcases aren’t crafted only from leather; they are made in a wide variety of materials such as vinyl, metal and durable fabric.
The attaché — technically a type of slim, small briefcase — is a portable box-shaped case that opens into two separate compartments. A briefcase, on the other hand, will usually open into one main compartment. An attaché is also often expected to operate on a hinged metal frame. Originally, attachés were ideal for carrying important documents and papers to and from offices. In French, the original use for the term “attaché” was to refer to a member of an ambassador’s staff, specifically an administrative employee who transported documents to and fro in a slender case.
While you could potentially use the two interchangeably, venturesome designers over the years have sought to improve both briefcases and attachés. Legendary luxury houses such as Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel offer distinguished and stylish but highly practical versions of these accessories. The briefcases and attachés of today feature leather trim and other decorative exterior embellishments, gold hardware and spacious interiors. They come in a range of shapes, sizes and colors to fit the needs of their fussy owners.
The collection of vintage and designer briefcases and attachés on 1stDibs has everything from rugged leather cases to understated canvas accessories that are perfect for the morning commute. Find yours today.
Read More
How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton
What are the telltale signs that you're holding a real Louis Vuitton and not a knockoff? We spoke with expert Diane D’Amato to find out. Of course, you don't have to worry about fakes on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
Inside Louis Vuitton’s Most Popular Handbag Collaborations
The venerable brand has earned accolades (and gained new fans) for partnerships that meld fashion with art.
14 Iconic Luxury Handbags and the Stories behind Them
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.