Love the feel of long-lasting leather

It's hard to decide just what we like more about fine leather--how great it feels or how long it lasts. The choice doesn't get any easier, either, when trying to decide among the many leather products of Col. Littleton, Ltd., Inc., Lynnville, Tenn. A "Purveyor of Fine Accouterments in the Americana Tradition," the company was founded in 1987 by Col. Garry A. Littleton with a line of antique cufflinks. Since then, Littleton has added leather goods and apparel, offering a full array of personalized products that are sold through more than 850 upscale retailers and catalogs nationwide.

We opted to save the leather selections for last and went straight for the apparel. What caught our eye was the teaser that accompanied the No. 4 shirt ($80): "If you're going somewhere that a white shirt doesn't fit in, maybe you don't really need to go" The No. 4 looks just as good with a jacket as with rolled up sleeves and a pair of jeans. This is a substantial shirt made of 30's peached twill, which makes it one of the most comfortable garments you will ever own. Underarm gussets with stitched eyelets provide ease of movement and ventilation. Saddle side swings with gussets are dressed up with red-stitched stars, while the seven front buttons are aged, ivory-colored. The label? Suede leather, of course.

Now, let's be honest: today's business professionals are not out scouting trails and tracking enemy movements on horseback like the U.S. Cavalry of the 19th century (heck, that doesn't even happen on "The Apprentice"), but they can carry their gear in much the same way thanks to the No. 1 Saddlebag Briefcase, available in brown American steer hide leather ($460) or canvas and leather ($365). This 12"H x 15"W x 5"D beauty is perfect for the modern executive who wants something different. Each briefcase is serial-numbered on a small brass plate on the back and features dividers inside to organize files and notebooks as well as hold a laptop computer. There also are pockets for pens, business cards, a PDA, calculator, and cell phone. Another brass plate inside the front flap can be personalized with up to three initials.

As a perfect accessory to the Saddlebag Briefcase, there is a set of six Personalized Brown Kraft File Folders ($35) with leather tabs--secured with brass rivets--that can be embossed with up to 20 characters.

For travelers, the Colonel offers up the No. 2 Shave Kit, which comes in all leather (soft steer hide, $170) or canvas with leather trim ($138.50). At 19"x 12 1/2", it features a large zippered pocket and three snap pockets to store toiletries or anything else you might need while traveling. The kit has solid brass buckles and an adjustable strap closure. A brass D-ring provides a convenient way to hang it on the back of a hotel door. The brass oval plate in front fits up to three initials.

If you're traveling--or even if you're not--you're going to need cash. While some people carry their money in a rubber band, others use a big paper clip. The Colonel has made the latter method a little more respectable by attaching an oversized clip to native American steer hide with nickel-plated rivets at the corners. The result is the No. 8 Paper Clip Money Clip ($30).

Finally, nothing goes with leather like wood. So, we sought out the No. 1 Trail Stick ($25), the perfect companion for a trek in the woods or a stroll around the neighborhood. It's 36 1/2" long with a 1" diameter octagonal shaft made of American White Oak.

For more information on Colonel Littleton products, visit www.colonellittleton.com or call 1-800-842-4075.

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