A Gladstone bag is a small portmanteau suitcase built over a rigid frame which could separate into two equal sections. Unlike a suitcase, a Gladstone bag is deeper in proportion to its length.They are typically made of stiff leather and often belted with lanyards. The bags are named after William Ewart Gladstone (1809–1898), the four-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This one has been adapted to suit the needs of a bookmaker. The leather neck strap has been added. Horse racing was a popular past-time in early Orbost. The Nixon family was involved through Keith Nixon. Some of the earliest horse races were held on a course in a paddock belonging to Mr James Cowell at Jarrahmond. For a long time horse races were part of the Marlo Picnic Races.This item is connected to an activity once popular in the Orbost district. A very worn leather bookmaker's bag. It is a Gladstone style bag with a leather neck strap. It has a spring lock with a key hole. It has a curved handle at the top. The leather neck strap does not appear to be original. The inside lining is cotton and there is a metal hinged frame. On the base are four metal studs.On the base - SOLID LEATHERgladstone-bag bookmaker's-bag horse-racing