I know when I posted the Belstaff 554 Large Colonial Shoulder Bag I said that was the last bag I would ever buy. Well, I lied.
The Belstaff 554 is a fantastic bag and I have no regrets. But I found myself often faced with the comment, “Wow. Nice bag… it’s big.” And people were right. It IS big. Big enough to carry my 15″ Macbook Pro. I was hoping the bag would be able to be an everyday carry as well as my work bag. But using it as an everyday carry was just a bit bigger than I’d like. Put it this way, fully loaded, it wouldn’t fit under some of the smaller seats on a plane. And fully loaded… it was HEAVY.
So I started looking and thinking about another bag. It was hard. I had been spoiled by the Belstaff bag. So when I came upon an ad for a Belstaff 556 Colonial Shoulder Bag (regular size)… I jumped on it. Mountain brown just like my larger bag.
I have had it for about a month now and through a trip to Orlando and a trip to New Zealand. It is GREAT! This is the perfect size for everyday carry and travel. Big enough to throw a good amount of stuff in, books magazines, a netbook etc. Not too heavy to carry around all day. Same great construction as the 554.
It also has one really nice feature. It fits a Tenba Messenger Photo Insert perfectly. I saw this insert on Flickr and it is actually better than all the Domke ones that I swore by. It is PERFECT for a messenger shaped bag… none of the Domke’s really are. With it, I can actually fit a Canon 1DmkIII and 3 lenses. Or even the 70-200L f/2.8 IS and another lens mounted. In a bind, I can load the 1DmkIII holster style (lens pointed down). The top closes… barely and is not that comfortable to carry but it fits… in a bind.
So if I had a choice, I’d go with the 556 over the 554. It’s just more universally usable. But I like having two and don’t feel it is duplicating. In a time where Belstaff seems to be stopping the manufacturing of these bags (STUPID STUPID STUPID)… I am glad I have another in case something were to happen to the other. Both mine also don’t have the magnets and the seams match the color of the bag. The newer ones have magnets under the latches and a different color seam. Now why would they do that!
The dimensions measured at the seams* are: 10.25 in tall x 12 in wide x 3 in deep at the top and 4 in deep at the bottom.
Front pockets are 6.5 in tall x 4.5 in wide x 1 in deep.
Side pockets are 5 in tall by 4 in wide… tight rounded depth.
Inside zippered pocket is 7 in long.
* inside might be a bit smaller.
Of course, pictures are worth a thousand words: More Pictures of Belstaff Colonial 556.
@Jeff
Honestly… these look like fakes me to. But who knows, maybe what he says it’s true. 369 Euros is a big gamble though.
Totally fake @jeff I spoke to Belstaff about them and they are only producing two bags this season, neither of which resemble the 554/556 at all. Drives me insane that they can try to pass them off as legit.
@Jeff
Hi Jeff,
did you buy one of these? I trusted the seller and bought one 2 days ago. Should arrive today. Unfortunately Belstaff doesn’t want to check if it is fake…
@Pat
Hey Pat,
The other day my boyfriend bought some clothes and an Original Belstaff Colonial 556 bag. I didn’t realized how much it was worth til I looked up previously sold ones. It’s almost a dark brown color. I will be posting it on eBay later this evening, around 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2014. If you search Belstaff 556 Colonial Bag it should come up. The auction will be open to places bids for 10 days. So if anyone is looking for an Original Brown Belstaff Colonial 556 Bag there’s the information to check out the pictures and other details! Have a good day 🙂
Jeff,
No I didn’t buy the bag. My boyfriend bought it from his friend that had it for a year or 2. I had just sold it to someone. I’m almost positive it was an original. I’m not a bag expert, but it had all of the same details as the belstaff and j.crew website listed. The buyer should be receiving it by Monday, so I’ll keep you updated on his feelings about the bag. Have a gray day!
@Lisa
any news on this Lisa – was it a legit bag? would love to know.
Thanks
Pat
Do you guys know how hard this bag is to find in Mountain Brown? I have tried for 3 years now to find it and its impossible. I seen one on E-bay a few weeks ago and it was listed to bid on but the dimensions that were listed were the size of the 554. By comparing the pic of the bag to the “hardwood flooring” in which the bag was lying on in the pic, I questioned the seller to re-measure the dimensions and get back with me. Turned out it WAS the 556 after all and, without contacting me, the seller relisted the bag with a “Buy it Now” price of $450 and it was sold right out from under me. Imagine that.
@Pat
I bought one from the above mentioned New Collection on ebay (same seller),,, probably I would not have, if I would have seen this page before buying it … the bag arrived today, looks great, feels great … came with a dustbag (which also is high quality) ,,, the production lable etc. everthing is well done. It does not look and feel like a fake item and I hope it is not. I will have a closer look tonight and tomorrow, but I think I will keep it.
BTW besides the now-discontinued hand stitched designer Ghurka messenger bag, there are good quality Belstaff knock offs from a brick & mortar store in SoCal. They have it in olive and khaki. http://www.modernmanbags.com/mens-italian-style-colonial-2-large-vintage-canvas-messenger-bag-army-green/
Checked my bag again and was also in contact with the seller – he confirmed that he is only selling original Belstaff items (well ok, of course he would say that, but looks true to me).
The bag is of excellent quality and to me it is worth the money i paid. I have LV bags, Bally, Filson and Mullbery … and this bag is absolutely up to these standards (also I paid more for the other bags).
First I though that the stap was sewn in the wrong way ,,, but then checked on Batman Begins and the leather part on the strap is meant to face away from the shoulder.
I also checked the label it came from and (again no 100% guarantee) it looks just like the lables of other original bags i saw on the internet.
the bag has great attention to detail, also inside, which I believe, a cheap knock-off would not have bothered with.
last but not least, i am really happy that I got the smaller version, as I want it for everyday carry and not only for travelling. Originally I was looking for the large version, but got the smaller by mistake ,,, now I am very happy about it.
Who is the seller? Do they have anymore 556?@SF
@SF
Great to see your happy with your purchase! – Any chance you could post some pics of the new bag?
Would love to see the quality of the craftsmanship
Cheers
Pat
Hey guys,
I’m cleaning out my clothing and bag collection and have 2 Belstaff colonial bags to sell! One is the 554 in Mountain Brown (from j.crew) and one is a 556 in a slightly lighter brown khaki.
Anyone interested?
no problem, i have taken some pictures which i can post ,,, but i have not figured out yet, how to post pictures (sorry, i am not very experienced, obviouly)
let me see if this works via photobucket … sorry if not
first try did not work, now no2 …
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/Friedl41/Belstaff%20Bag/Foto3-1.jpg
looks like it works like this …
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/Friedl41/Belstaff%20Bag/Foto4-1.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/Friedl41/Belstaff%20Bag/Foto3-1.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/Friedl41/Belstaff%20Bag/Foto2-1.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/Friedl41/Belstaff%20Bag/Foto1-1.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/Friedl41/Belstaff%20Bag/Foto4.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/Friedl41/Belstaff%20Bag/Foto3.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/Friedl41/Belstaff%20Bag/Foto2.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/Friedl41/Belstaff%20Bag/Foto1.jpg
I took this bag with me when I visited London. I walked into the Belstaff store just for some questions about their collection 😉 and the manager of the store did say: “Oh, that’s a Belstaff bag isn’t it?”
That means even the manager thinks it’s a legit one (at least on the first look). Even though he didn’t take a detailed look on the bag I think it is ok to call it legit.
I would not give too much value to the knowledge of sales staff in shops ,,, I love watches and most of the time i know more about a watch of interest than the staff ,,, i think the times, with well trained specialists, who knew their prducts inside out, is sadlly over.
Here are images SF posted:
And this is the smaller 556??
Thanks a lot for your help 🙂
@SF
Mate, this looks like a great bag — the quality of the finish is pretty top shelf! Congrats once again!
I know it was mentioned someone before here on the forum, but I’m just stubbornly curious as to why Belstaff may have gone for a non-metal badge on the front of the bag… did they change this somewhere down the line for a visual differentiation or some other reason? (like babies were chocking on the metal badge so they removed it… :^)
@SF – thanks for taking the time to making these images for all to see! and @AARON – thanks for uploading the pics to your site and for hosting these pages!
Looks like I might have to go visit that eBAY NEW COLLECTION page real soon!
Cheers
Pat
i dont mind the leather badge at all, it looks great to be honest … IMHO … also what i like is that there are no more magnets at the buckles ,,, but it could do with a zipper to close the bag … i have a very similar bag from S.C. Cotton and also it is a big difference to the Belstaff, it looks almost the same ,,, it has magnetic buckles but a zipper to close the hole bag which i find convinient.
How much for the bags??
@Kyle
I’m interested as well@Kyle
I was wondering if you could post some pics of it first@Kyle
Hey Aaron,
Great description, pictures and infectious enthusiasm for value and quality: I was leaning towards the 556 over the 554 but hesitated based on size. Your description swayed me and I scored a new one on eBay just now. Question: what size Tenba Messenger Photo insert? They make a couple of messenger inserts — one large. I am in Turkey and it’s tough gear shopping here so I will have to order (import) one sight unseen and I need to get the size right. If you have the model number or measurements, that would be great. Thanks!
I believe they only make one size… mine is 13W X 8H X 5D.
Guys, In my endless search I found this guy on eBay selling what seems to be a legitimate 556
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/171737825315
Width 45cm
Height 31cm
Looks to be in a real good condition, in a nice light tan color and selling for an ok price considering everything we already know about this bag 🙂
Unfortunatly Im after the illusive 554 🙁
.. the search continues for me but perhaps this is something one of you guys are after.
Cheers
Pat
Brilliant, thanks – I giot this bag (and lije it a ton) and now the insert is on order. Great work, superb site. You’re a most discriminating tastemaker.
@aaronlam
I have a 556 available, mountain brown, lightly used, dust cover, buckle style leather strap downs (non-magnetic), made in Italy, Union Jack flag sewn, from JCrew. Will provide pix upon request, or shoot a price.
Thanks.
Also has the metal badge. @Anthony
Will ship int’l. What’s a good asking price on this?. It’s in good condition. I see a couple Schmos asking ~$700 – what the???@Anthony
I have a lightly used 556 in mountain brown, buckle style leather strap downs (non-magnetic), made in Italy, Union Jack flag sewn, from JCrew, and with original dust bag. Listing on ebay under seller: wee856 . Has one medium sized and small sized red wine stain in the back, though.
@Anthony
Hi Anthony. do you stiil have the bag? I am interested.
let me know and I will give you my email address.
Hi aaroniam, nice work with this blog.
i want to add some alternatives:
napapijri messenger bag eagle:
http://www.napapijri.com/be/cross-body-bag_cod45269465ck.html
http://www.napapijri.com/de/weekender_cod45269454pa.html
@Grace
Hi Grace.
i checked your ebay.
do you stiil have the bag? I am interested.
let me know and I will give you my email address.
thx
Andrea
Suggestions on finding one? I had one years ago, and haven’t been able to find one recently….anywhere. I watch ebay like a hawk haha
hello i’m loking for the 554 bag too. thanks
I have a 554 in Mountain Brown that I purchased from BMG about 2 years ago for sale. I have found that I just don’t use this bag as I also have a 556 that I use all the time. I would like $375.00. I have pictures that I can forward.
Thanks,
John
A recent email from myself to Belstaff’s customer service department regards the future availability of the Colonial bags resulted in this reply ….
“Over the last few years, Belstaff has changed ownership a few times. The most recent change was during 2011.
Part of the terms and conditions of the sale was that we are no longer able to provide new items or parts for older items made under the previous owners, or to reproduce items made by the previous owners. As such we do not have any plans to reproduce the Colonial bags in the future.”
Shame!
@John Meredith
Hey John Please reply me if you have 554 mountain brown for sale. thanks my email hierophantmy@hotmail.com
Belstaff have just launched a new range of bags (June 30th 2016) which includes a new canvas colonial messenger. Now, before you all get too excited just know that the design has been modified to a more smart, business-like design which personally I don’t care for. The UK store currently only shows it being available in black for £395 but you can find images of it in other colours (sand?) online elsewhere. Anyway, check it out for yourselves at the following links …
http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aawe_prd/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-bff-shared-general/default/dwa3cb91a3/images/2016/magnum-hub/DESK-CLP-SLOT_Colonialbag.jpg
http://www.belstaff.co.uk/men/shoes-and-accessories/bags/colonial-messenger-shoulder-bag-black/75610370C61N0118-Black.html
Hello, i’ve been looking for a bag like this that will fit my Acer Chromebook C910 it’s 15.6 screen with a height of 10 and depth (laptop closed) little over 1-inch. I’m not very good at these kind of things, but I stumbled upon your blog and you seem very informed. I really enjoyed reading these reviews, thank you for taking the time to write them.
After more than a year of use of the above posted “new” Belstaff Colonial Bag with leather badge I have to say that the quality is superb. Only thing that bothered me was that the canvas isn’t water resistant like with newer bags by Belstaff (there actually is a new waxed Colonial Bag available in stores which looks a bit different but does have a pretty close resemblance in form but not in color). Therefore I did wax the canvas on my own. Currently the bag is drying and I will post some photos of the finished bad. Up till now I can say that the color got darker and it looks like new. I used the Barbour Thornproof Wax as a basic layer and added the Belstaff reproofing wax afterwards because one tin of Barbour wax wasn’t enough and I bought both to try them. The Barbour is easier to handle because it melts in hot water and it is easy to spread. The Belstaff wax only gets soft and not fluid/clear like the Barbour. I spread it as a second layer on the bad and used a hairdryer to melt the wax into the canvas. As soon as the bag is dry I will test the water resistance. If it isn’t good enough I will add some Fjallraven Greenland Wax (or Otter Wax) as a top layer. I think this is a good option to add some resistance to the bag (especially as I use it as a camera bag for my Fuji equipment now) and change the style to something unique (the color looks more like a dark military green/olive).