Is this handbag vintage?

[rosaburke1]

My Mum bought his handbag/basket about 6 months ago at a market. The man selling it said it had been in his family for awhile and that is was a crocodile. A family member says it's a frog because it hasn't got a tail. Looking at the photos I think it might be a toad

What do others think it is? Is it vintage? (It looks unused so may be modern but then again, where would one take a handbag like this?). Either way, I like it because of it's quirkiness...

Looking forward to reading some replies. Thank you.

 

[Pinkcoke]

wow that's quite bizarre! It does kind of have a crocodile head and a frog/toads body...
I would say from the patina it certainly looks vintage and used. What are the eyes made of?

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

The eyes look like marbles.

I have seen these before and I would say they are vintage. I believe it is meant to be a stylized frog.

I found another one online with a different handle from yours, they were saying it is 50s but I think these are from the 60s.

They are quite cute!

 

[themerchantsofvintage]

Very cute handbag! I think it's a stylized alligator or crocodile. It looks vintage and I'm sure others will drop in to give their opinion.

 

[rosaburke1]

Thank you for your help. I just had a look at at the eyes and yes I would say they are like marbles, glass marbles. I've just realised it's a bit dusty too probably because it's been sitting in a plastic bag for 6 months. Can someone please tell me how to clean between the cane bits?

 

[Better Dresses Vintage]

I would vacuum it! With a brush attachment. That is one scary and fun little purse.

 

[joules]

Another vote for 60s. I have a hazy recollection of similar items from around that time frame.

 

[retro ruth]

I think it's a frog or a toad, not a croc or alligator. Apart from the lack of a tail, it's the shortness and roundness of the body that makes me see frog. And although it's got a slightly long face and jaw for a frog/toad, it's a short face and jaw for an alligator!

I love it!

 

[thespectrum]

Your wicker frog purse is 50s & I love him!

Here is one I sold years ago (& I miss him):

 

[Metro Retro Vintage]

Love those froggy toad purses Rosaburke and MS. I would have nabbed it as well. Very charming (like Prince Charming). Ribbit.

 

[joules]

Maybe my hazy recollection involves MS's fabulous 50s frog purse!

 

[cmpollack]

That is one cool purse--a frog with the soul of a crocodile!

 

[Vmode]

.. And they're very desirable! I know some rockabilly ladies into the 50s scene have spent hundreds of dollars on rare examples.. they also come as donkeys, elephants, fish etc