“Luggage so fine, it will stand

as a symbol of excellence.”

This was the stated commitment of our founder, Joseph S. Hartmann, upon the company’s inception in 1877. It is the same legacy that commands us today. Hartmann has always been the first choice of discerning travelers.

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.

TODAY

A new commitment.

Reclaiming our heritage of true craftsmanship, Hartmann brings back American-made, vegetable-tanned leather, signature tweed and high-performance components. Our aim: to be nothing less than the coveted icon for the world’s most discerning travelers.