The profession

I am sitting at a cafe and my eye spot this man with the strange briefcase. It is not a common briefcase for documents and binders and such things. No, an /ugly/ angular big one.
I am so curious. What is it in the briefcase?
In films it use to be spy equipment or weapon with foldable telescopic sight and noise-killer. 
My husbands think he is a salesman in notions. (I wonder if you know what that is :-) )