It was Fellini cases that killed the lugage style boxes.
Round about the early 70s. I would say it was all about "style",
the boxes were more practical, but the Fellinis were sleek and
all were covered with genuine leather - virtually all the box cases
were vinyl.
The change had nothing to do with more cues, 1 butt, 2 shafts, and maybe a spare key, was the absolute max you could fit in a Fellini
in those days there were no break cues, jump cues, etc.
players had one cue with two shafts, and they used it for everything.
IIUC - Jay Flowers was the first to make the shoulder-strap, all leather,
looks-like-a-sadle-and-weighs-more 2 x 4 case.
It's George and Porper were both early with 2x4 cases,
anybody know who was the very first?
Dale