MAGNIFICENT FINNIGANS VINTAGE LEATHER TRAVEL CASE James Henry Van Alen-Tennis Hall Fame Initialed "JHVA" Start Price GBP 74.99 Current Price GBP 74.99 Time Left - Bid Count 1 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, November 16, 2008 End Time Sunday, November 23, 2008 Location Bilston, West Midlands See more about 'MAGNIFICENT FINNIGANS VINTAGE LEATHER TRAVEL CASE ' Description A FINNIGANS TRAVEL CASE POSSIBLY MADE TO HOLD GENTLEMANS  SHIRTS.This is a superb vintage leather luxury Gentleman travel case made by  the legendry English leather luggage makers FINNIGANS of MANCHESTER and LONDON. The superb hand-worked quality leather of this item is absolutely stunning, and when the interior is opened the moire effect of the satin is dazzling!The case is in superb all original condition with all of its original straps. The leather is a wonderful golden tan. The initials 'J H V A' stamped in gold into the surface of the top flap. The interior is lined in dazzling matching light-brown satin. It has expanding sides to accomodate several items, keeping everything flat, neat and tidy. It measures 19"1/2 across by 11" and expands to 5"in depth. It is in wonderful condition aside from a couple of small scuffs on the front flap, which I'm sure with the aid of some top quality care and leather polish would disappear.FINNIGANS LTD of Manchester and LondonThe firm founded by Benjamin Finnigans at 16 Market Street Manchester in 1875, and soon became regarded as the 'Purdy' of luggage makers. The firm became a limited company in 1901 and had various addresses in Manchester, Salford, London (New Bond Street) and Liverpool.It was purchased some years ago following an auction of James Henry Van Alen's Estate at Sotheby's, I was firmly lead to believe that this belonged to Van Alen. Let's face it who else would have the initials 'JHVA' and so soon after the Auction?This biographical concerning Van Alen appears on the Wikipedia pages:James Henry Van Alen (September 19, 1902 – July 3, 1991) is best known for being the founder of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the largest tennis museum in the world. He was born and died in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.A poet, musician, publisher, civic leader and raconteur, Jimmy Van Alen achieved his greatest renown in tennis. His greatest legacies are as the inventor of the first tie breaker in tennis and as founder and primary benefactor of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum at the Newport Casino, which he gave to the United States Tennis Association in 1954, saving the national landmark from a proposed car park.Contributions to tennis:• President, Newport Casino 1952,• President/Founder of National Hall of Fame,• Inventor of the First Tie Breaker,• Inventor of VASSS (Van Alen Streamlined Scoring System),• National Court Tennis Singles and Doubles Champion.He died after striking his head in a fall at his home. That day, in a Wimbledon semi-final, Stefan Edberg lost to Michael Stich 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-2). Edberg didn't lose serve. Later, after hearing of Van Alen's death, Edberg said: "If he hadn't lived, Michael and I might still be out there playing".Truly a magnificent item, starting at what I believe is a low price, good luck and thanks. Place a Bid!