Help to resolve case!

[awaywiffairies]

This case was on a previous thread but was lost amongst some hats I was asking help with, so I thought I'd make it a new post.

Hatfeathers said this looked liked a man's hat box/suitcase 40s or 50s.

When I acquired this case I was told it was used to carry dance/theatre costumes. Now that may be what the owner used it for, but not it's original use????

My partner and I were having a debate over this last night and were of different opinions, so please I do need :help: settling this one!

The more I think about it, I would say I go along with Hatfeathers & think it could be a gentleman's suitcase , and maybe an overnight one (my partner says it looks like a woman's case). I can see the gentleman fitting a hat and a suit, with room for shoes in the pouch etc, getting off the train all suited and booted (Trevor Howard). It has got a 1940's feel to it?

It looks like it's made out of lizard skin. It's held vertically by the belted strap. There are two metal clasps to also close.

What do you all think, I would love to pin this down!

Thankyou!

Sarah

 

[crinolinegirl]

It's a men's hat box- I have a near identical one for all of Gary's modern and vintage hats. Mine is from the 1920's- early 30's though but it's basically the same shape, style and size as yours.

Lei

 

[awaywiffairies]

Thanks Lei, that's excellent!

Could mine also be from the 20s/30s? It certainly looks old enough. Is there anything I need to look for that would help me date it?

Sarah

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Agree: mens hat box. I've had a few, from the '20s to the '60s. Yours looks like it's lined in moire - are you sure the outside is lizard? It looks like either leather or cardboard from here - could it be one of those that's imprinted with a skin-like texture?

I think the belted handle means that it's a travelling hat box, I used to have one like that.

Nicole

 

[awaywiffairies]

I'm not at home to have a look at the case, but I do know inside the case there's a very small loose tab pouch, kind of like a sample of the outer material & so u can see the reverse as well. As it's bin kept inside the case, it's nice cos u can c the original depth of colour. If I remember the inside of the pouch it could well be leather come to think of it...what would the reverse of lizard look like? Whatever the material is, it's sadly cracked on the belt handle. :(

Thanks & apologies for my ignorance!

Sarah