The Galileo Passport Case

Every Journey Begins Here.

Inspired by Galileo Galilei, one of history’s greatest visionaries, The Galileo passport case is more than a travel accessory—it’s a tribute to the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. Just as Galileo transformed our understanding of the cosmos, this passport case is designed to transform the way you carry your most essential travel documents.

Crafted from 100% vegetable-tanned leather, The Galileo balances functionality and elegance. Available in two luxurious variations:

Both versions are designed with the modern traveler in mind:

But The Galileo is more than just a case. It symbolizes the beginning of every journey. Inspired by Galileo’s daring curiosity, this passport case is crafted for those who seek to explore new worlds, challenge boundaries, and embrace the spirit of discovery. As you travel, let this case serve as a reminder that exploration is not merely about the destination—it’s about the experiences, people, and moments that define the journey. Every adventure you undertake expands your horizons, just as Galileo expanded ours.

With The Galileo as your companion, you’re equipped to embark on a journey filled with curiosity and wonder. Every stamp and scuff that this case collects tells the story of where you’ve been, just as Galileo’s observations marked a new era of exploration. Whether you’re crossing oceans or borders, this is where your adventure starts.

Welcome to The Galileo, part of the Strathmere Leather Collection—a blend of timeless craftsmanship and the enduring human desire to explore.

Every Journey Begins Here,

Aaron M. Aiken

Aaron is the Designer and Maker of Galileo Passport Case, all Strathmere Leather products, and the entire A. M. Aiken catalog.

“Go. Pack this bag. Take that book. Send a post card.”

Product Details and Pricing

Available in two distinct styles, Galileo Passport Case is tailored to fit your personal taste.

The Galileo Standard

Starting at $149 USD. Drum-dyed veg-tan leather exterior, Italian suede interior. Optional monogram and domestic shipping included.

A sleek and functional design that offers timeless appeal, perfect for everyday use. It comes with a monogramming option at no extra cost, making it uniquely yours. Available in drum-dyed tan, brown, or black. Click here to see the colors.

The Galileo Premium

Starting at $249. Hand-dyed calfskin leather. Optional monogram and domestic shipping included.

For those who seek something extraordinary, this version is hand-dyed to achieve a rich, bespoke finish that stands out. Available in several different hand-dyed colors, click here to preview and see additional details.

What You Receive with Your Purchase

Materials

Measurements

Dimensions when Closed (empty):

Dimensions when Open:

Unlimited lifetime warranty on leather workmanship. Details of coverage available at amaiken.com/warranty.

The Process

First step - Make the case with drum-dyed leather and suede

Iterating several times in order to get the size just right. Third or fourth case was a charm and fit everything perfectly. Slightly larger in the hand than I originally anticipated, but the size offers a certain level of confidence that is needed while traveling.

Second step - hand-dyed calfskin case

Once the sizing was perfected, tested, and finalized, I moved into making the case with calfskin.

Every piece is cut and shaped by hand, the monogram, if you choose to add one, is set by hand.

The dye is also applied by hand, I use wool remnants to do this.

After the dye has dried I perform an oil conditioning treatment on each piece, this aids in the suppleness that you will experience with the final product.

After ~24 hours have passed from the oil treatment, I apply a coat of leather balm and buff to a very rich luster. Afterwards I burnish smooth the flesh side of each interior pocket (the “underside”).

Next is assembly, marrying all of the pieces together into their final form.

Then, edge work! Final shaping of the exterior edges, sand them, apply a coat of dye, let that dry, then burnish smooth by hand.

The final step involves me going over everything obsessively with a buffing cloth, the shine on this case is absolutely amazing. Enjoy!

While the steps above are in-progress…

Also, while going through the leather end of things, the logo was being worked on, this website, marketing materials, and so on.

Galileo Passport Case Video Walkthrough

Purchase Your Very Own Galileo Passport Case

I was originally going to support purchasing of the Galileo Passport Case directly through my main catalog but something about that just didn't feel right, too disconnected, too much work having to be done on your end, also not very human. And so, if you have read up to this point and are interested or ready to buy, just use the form below to send me a quick email. I'll follow-up with questions that will need answered, the color you'd like, and other options that can be discussed. Once those details are finalized I will send you an invoice through my Shopify site where you can submit payment (or you can mail a check if you still have some of those laying around). Once payment is received your order will go into my queue.

I look forward to hearing from you!

~ Aaron