Date of Crocodile or Armadillo Purse?

[Lisa Burback]

Hi there!

I have this lovely purse that I'm having an awful time dating. It's soft, supple leather with large scales - I believe it to be crocodile or armadillo. It has a large fan-like top trim of bakelite. The handle is of the same leather as the rest of the purse, with a large loop, which hangs from the wrist. The interior is a tan, VERY soft leather. My guess is 1920s - 1940s, but I want to be sure! Any ideas??

A photo is attached. Thanks for any help!

-Lisa

 

[Linn]

Lisa -

That's a great purse. It looks like alligator to me:

http://vintagefashionguild.org/fur-resource/alligator/

I would date it C. 1940's.

 

[MyVintageCocktail]

I totally agree with Linn--looks like 'gator and 40s (early, I think, but not sure). It is a wonderful bag!

 

[Jonathan]

I see a dot in each scale which says crocodile to me...

 

[thespectrum]

Yes, if it has the dots (or pores) in each scale it is crocodile.

 

[Linn]

I agree, if it has dots it's crocodile - I'm not seeing the dots/pores.

 

[Lisa Burback]

thanks, all! there aren't any pores - its definitely alligator.

 

[MyVintageCocktail]

I didn't see any dots, which is why I assume gator.... Maybe my eyes are worse than I thought!

 

[cmpollack]

Another vote for 40s gator. It's wonderful, and should do very nicely for you!