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1908
Old world craftsmanship, new world style.
The company started by the Bavarian-born Mr. Hartmann expands rapidly. By 1908, a Hartmann trunk wins first prize at the California Exposition in Sacramento.
1925
On a journey with the Babe.
George Herman “Babe” Ruth travels extensively to promote baseball overseas with a Hartmann cushion top wardrobe trunk in tow. His trunk is one of half a million Hartmann cases in use around the world.
1943
Stronger than steel.
After years of manufacturing trunks using aluminum and steel–materials that are suddenly in short supply due to the war–Hartmann develops a lightweight basswood frame that proves even more durable.
1954
The choice of the jet set.
Legendary secret agent James Bond uses a Hartmann Skymate suitcase in Ian Fleming’s second novel, Live and Let Die. Later, the ultra-light Hartmann 707 collection debuts alongside America’s first jet liner.
1964
A presidential seal of approval.
America’s 36th president, Lyndon B. Johnson, chooses a Hartmann Skymate suitcase for his global travels aboard Air Force One.
1987
Arriving in high fashion.
Working first with designers Halston and Gloria Vanderbilt, and later with Lambertson Truex, Hartmann begins a series of stylish collaborations and collections for true fashion devotees.
2002
Happy quasquicentennial to us.
Hartmann marks its 125th anniversary with a grand window display of vintage Hartmann products in Bloomingdale’s 59th street store in Manhattan.