I think we can say with confidence that the original briefcases made had buckles before locks.  The Thomas More represents this old form and style 1913, gets closer to a traditional style than the 1911, because of the simple flat hand stitched handle.  A handle style that is as old on a briefcase as the storm flap briefcase itself.  This model is made from chestnut and brown English bridle leather with a firm sand color suede lining that just adds to the beauty of this briefcase.