For those of you who know me, you know I have a bag obsession. I finally got my hands on a Belstaff Large Colonial Bag. It is GORGEOUS. Expensive… yes… but I think definitely worth it. Since there is so little information about this bag, I’ll post some of my thoughts and a detailed description.
The bag is gorgeous. I just can’t say that enough. It is well crafted and definitely designer. It is made of a heavyweight waxed canvas that is water resistant. Is it as durable as some of the modern nylons and weaves… probably not. But this bag has the same effect as that well worn leather jacket or the perfect broken in jeans. The bag is really collapsible… there is little form to it. This can be good or bad. It’s great because the bag is bigger than it actually looks. The bag forms to your body. It’s bad sometimes when you take certain things out of it (SLR camera). You have to adjust it to get pointy items like that in and out.
The leather details are really nice. Some people complain about the straps and how they attach… I usually carry it around without the straps buckled. This allows easy access. When I want to secure the bag, I buckle the straps… which does a good job of holding the flap down. When you REALLY want to secure the bag, you can buckle the strap and loop it into the leather loops.
The only complaint is that the side pockets are a little hard to access. I end up keeping things I don’t need every day but would like to have with me just in case in there.
I typically use it as my work bag… big enough to hold a Macbook Pro 15″ with a sleeve. I can also swap it out and put Domke inserts inside to hold camera equipment. I am about to sell all my other bags on eBay… THIS IS THE ONE!
The dimensions measured at the seams* are: 12 in tall x 15 in wide x 3.5 in deep at the top and 4.5 in deep at the bottom.
Front pockets are 8 in tall x 5 in wide x 1 in deep.
Side pockets are 6 in tall by 4 in wide… tight rounded depth.
Inside zippered pocket is 7in long.
* inside might be a bit smaller.
Of course, pictures are worth a thousand words: More Pictures of Belstaff Colonial 554.
Is that a zipper on the side pockets?
Is your shoulder pad double sided – leather and canvas? i don’t see that in the picture…but bag looks pretty much bang on. It’s a bit stiff looking – just use it, use it, use it! Will soften up.
@Marissa
My shoulder pad is one sided… Leather on the top and canvas underneath.
I spoke with Belstaff and BMG is a reputable retail store for them. It looks like since Belstaff was bought out by a new company that the new company is making the new batches of 554 bags for BMG only. So thats prob why they are not the same. Im still debating if this new one looks as good as the old distressed one. Anyone else post some new pics? Maybe close ups of the canvas? Thanks
Who knew a 5 year old message board would still pique so much interest? I’ve been following this one for a while, since Aaron and the commenters seem to be the only people you can find that are writing about the Belstaff messenger bags. I did my own independent research on BMG prior to purchasing my bag, which I did last week (still havent received it yet, as I live overseas and shipping will take some time. So I cant comment on distressed/non-distressed or appearance just yet).
As for authenticity, I emailed BMG directly and they stated that they were an authorized dealer for Belstaff. They suggested I check with LabeLux (the Swiss company that purchased and now runs Belstaff) to confirm this. I emailed with LabeLux, and received an email from them confirming that BMG is indeed and authorized dealer for Belstaff bags. These email exchanges occurred during the last week of February, 2013.
I will follow-up with the look and feel of the bag (Mountain Brown 554) when I get it. But I am thoroughly convinced that BMG is an authorized dealer, selling real authentic Belstaff bags. So thats at least one concern alleviated, and hopefully is helpful to everyone.
@Bob Morgan
Yes, your right. The canvas and leather is indeed distressed but does not have the faded white wash look from the first batches when Belstaff wasn’t sold yet.
My tag is exactly like yours, Bob.
For those of you on the fence, I would say go ahead and take the plunge. I have received many compliments on my Mt.Brown 554 and I’m sure the bag would be even more distressed with time.
Keep in mind that the leather will come in rather stiff since it’s new. I recommend leather honey or apple care leather conditioner.
Following-up on my email from March 4 above. Paul Lin is 100% right. The Dark Mountain Brown is distressed, but not to the point of tattered. The older bags had this “more distressed” look, while the current crop don’t. From what I’ve read, though, many people found the previous versions almost too distressed and ratty looking. Take the plunge is right. The leather will soften up with time. The canvas will wear in the stress points. Over time, the bag will look even more perfect than it does now. But if you’re worried about 1) authenticity of BMG, 2) bag is not distressed enough, don’t be. It’s perfect.
If anyone wants to send me images of your new bag… I am happy to post them so people can compare.
@aaron
Hey did you put oil on your leather to soften it? It’s super stiff and hard. I heard many people use Neatsfoot oil to soften if up and treat it. Let me know. Thanks
@Alex
No I did not… mine came like that. And the leather on my 554 has kept much better than my 556 which has curled somewhat… not a big deal but my 554 straps are pretty nice.
I just received the “new batch” of 554’s from BMG and it is as mentioned above, not distressed and the leather is thinner and softer. To my eye even the brown fabric differs from my Large Man Bag, that I bought a couple of years ago to carry around my iPad in. But it might just be that my older bag is pretty heavy distressed. The rivets, inside pocket zipper, buttons and so on is exactly the same, so it’s definitely a authentic Belstaff.
I emailed Paul at BMG regarding the difference and he told me that the 554 bags look different every time they get them from Belstaff. They had some issues a few years back when they were distressed too much and a lot of the stitching would no hold up from the abuse during the process of distressing the bags. The one I got was manufactured in the last production run in June.
@Justin is right, the bag grows on you and the distress will come naturally. Got very suspicious when I compared the two, and before I came here and read this tread. Now it’s just perfect!
Hello… I know this bags are no longer produced by Belstaff, but I still beleive I can get one 556 or 554… anyone could point me out where to buy?
Thanx
Hello guys, I have an original Belstaff Colonial Bag 554 to sell, brown color. In absolute new condition. I bought it near BMG, 2 years ago.
If someone is interested, I can send pictures by mail. I’m located in France.
Thanks.
@Yann
Do you still have the bag that you want to sell?
Still interested in selling your 554? @Yann
@dk
I would be interested in buying the 554 if it is still available? Merci beaucoup.
Just for your information and for the seekers of the Belstaff 554/556.
I went to the Belstaff store in Munich (Maxmillianstrasse) and they do have a new edition of this bag. It is made out of waxed canvas and with some fancy leather (maybe some kind of crocodile or other reptile?). Doesn’t really have the charm and aftermath/apocalypse look of the original though. But the price was surprising: From 600 Euro down to 260 Euro. It is/was on sale. If you like it a bit more fancy you might be interested in this model.
I bought a “new” one on eBay today. It’s from a German seller and seems to be a “Made by Belstaff”-replica of the original. In the newer versions there are no magnets anymore and the metal logo is now made out of leather (which sadly hurts the rugged look IMHO). But it didn’t arrive yet (really have to see it in person). It isn’t called 554 or 556 anymore but it seems to be a legit replica. Unfortunately Belstaff doesn’t care for fakes and refuses to check if this bag is one or not…
Here is the offering on eBay:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/271581498573
@Stefan
Hi Stefan.. do you remember what they called this new model at the Belstaff Store?
Hi guys, I have a Belstaff 554 bag for sale. It is in like new condition, lightly used with dust cover.
@Anthony
hey Anthony, im keen to buy a 554. What colour is it? my email wjmatthews@hotmail.com thx
I have one for sale too. Mint with custom strap. jimbogregs@msn.com
Bump @Anthony
@Anthony
sold
@Anthony
it is sold?
@James Gregory
did you still have?
who still have 554 want to sell ? please contact me gggaofrank@163.com
WHO STILL HAVE NEW BELSTAFF 556/554, DO YOUR WANT TO SELL IT? PLEASE CONTACT WITH ME.
Hi guys ,been reading the posts .I bought a genuine mountain brown 554 bag a few years back as well as a Trail Master Legend jacket with the view to use the bag on trips however I’ve never used the bag and it’s been sat flat in the dust bag and original poly bag that it arrived in .Ive umm’d and are’ed as to wether to sell it but have never felt 100% ready to part with it . If someone wants to make me a fare offer for a mint original example with the updated and better buckle straps (some early ones had show buckles but used magnet closing type poppers which never held that well)
I’m happy to take pics if anyone would like me to .just email me .
Cheers all and happy new year.
@GAO
I have a 544 if your still looking ?
Do you still have the 544?
Hi Jamie, do you still have the 544 for sale? Please let me know timflint@ntlworld.com @Jamie Muir
I still have my bag thanks
Hi Jamie, I should have been more specific, are you still wanting to part with the 554, where in the world are you, how much to sell? I am in England, thanks.
@Tim Flint
Hi Tim yes I still have the bag ,yes I’m willing to sell it at the right price and I live in Bristol in the uk
Regards jamie
Hi Jamie, my email is timflint@ntlworld.com, please drop me a line with what you would accept? Many thanks, Tim
Hi Jamie, my email address is in the trail above, please drop me a line with what you would accept? Many thanks, Tim
Hi Jamie, please email me, my address is in the trail above, Many thanks, Tim
Message sent Tim
Did you get my email Tim?
Nothing received…did you email timflint@ntlworld.com, fyi I am in Nottingham? Cheers
Yes emailed you twice last week .price is £350 anyway .As said its new still in draw string belstaff bag which is still in the original plastic bag . Let me know if you want it thanks
Ja
Hey guys,
Got a 554 identical to the one shown in this post. Actually bought it shortly after reading this post. Used it briefly for a few months but changed to a different bag and it has been sitting unused in my closet for several years.
In great condition. Exactly the same as the one pictured here – mountain brown, distressed leather and canvas, made in Italy tag and with no rips, tears or stains.
Time to move it onto a better home and out of my closet. If interested just reply here with your email and I’ll get in touch with you.
Cheers
@Jamie hello do you still sell for the bag 554 colonial bag? thanks
Yes I still have it for sale @Paul A
how much you would like to sell it? thanks please email me hierophantmy@hotmail.com thanks
Hi do you still have bag? How much
alexking@live.com
@Nick
Hello Nick, Please email me the about belstaff 554 that you got. thanks
hierophantmy@hotmail.com
Still got the 554 available if anyone wants it. Just leave your email here.