Purse/bag - which skin??? and dating/naming...

[scillas]

Dear vintage wise-men and women

I often read the posts on this forum and I really enjoy your amazing knowledge and the allways friendly and helpfull debate on this list. I usually just listen and learn, but know I have picked up this small bag/clutch and I'm really puzzled by what skin this is and the treatment of it.
And if you could also help with what to call it and dating it, I'd really appreciate it.

But the skin: At first i thought it was plastic, because of the surface which is very shiny. Looks kind of "glazed" and very equal without the normal structure/texture of exotic skin.
But on closer inspection, I can see that it isn't plastic - there is a small piece of skin loose in one corner inside and it is definetely some kind of very thin skin. And in between the scales, the skin does show tiny "wrinkles" that doesn't look like plastic or something embossed or printed.

Also, when I opened it, it is so beautifully finished inside with the finest leather, several small different rooms, one even lined with very soft white (goat?)skin, and it has a mirror with facets. Really lovely, and beatifully sown/pieced togther.
You wouldn't do that with a plastic bag, I gather.

So, I'm really puzzled: Is there some sort of skin-treatment used for exotic skin, that would result in something like this, or is this a fake?
As for the dating: The lady I bought it from told me it would be at least 60 yeras old, as it belonged to her mothers aunt or something – but I can't really place it in time style-wise– what do you say?
And what would you call a bag like this? clutch? (but it has a small, adjustable strap..) Handbag?

Thanks so much for any help, it is much appreciated.

Sille from Denmark.

 

[scillas]

more pics...

 

[retro ruth]

I'm not very wise, mostly still learning myself, but I do have a bag with a similar interior, (though very different exterior) which is 30s/40s. it has a similar section lined in soft suede, while the rest is fabric. Wonder what the specially lined compartment is for?

I've also read something on here about skin being covered with patent veneer.

 

[scillas]

Yes, that looks like the same concept with the specially lined compartment, can't figure it out either...coins?
I'll try to search on patent veneer. thanks a lot. Sille

 

[retro ruth]

I thought it must be to protect something fragile, maybe jewelry?

Your bag is lovely by the way. And to my untrained eye looks like crocodile or alligator. There is some way to tell which is which, but I can't remember it!

Ruth

 

[thevintagebungalow]

I believe that croc has a dot and alligator does not, or something to that tune! It is a very unusual purse, to be sure. I think it is the color variations that are throwing me off. Any purse people out there with some ideas????

 

[cmpollack]

Style of the purse looks late 30s into 40s. I love how many subdivisions there are inside--it's very organized!

Though I'm no expert at telling croc from gator, my first impression is croc (though the color sure is unusual!)

As far as style, I'd call it a handbag...

 

[Buckarooandco]

With all the fancy compacts from those eras, maybe the suede was to protect them from being harmed?

 

[scillas]

Thanks a lot for your answers Carrie, Ruth and Buckarooandco – a compartment for compact or jewelry, that could be it, I think.
Dating it from the 30s or corresponds with 40s with what the previous owner told me.
Almost sure it's
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_leather>patent leather: </a> ...still not sure of the animal, though...

 

[scillas]

Thanks a lot for your answers Carrie, Ruth and Buckarooandco – a compartment for compact or jewelry, that could be it, I think.
Dating it from the 30s or corresponds with 40s with what the previous owner told me.
Almost sure it's
patent leather: ...still not sure of the animal, though...

 

[scillas]

opps, sorry about the code.. missed a character, there

 

[vertugarde]

I'm curious about the metal pin/logo on the corner of the purse. I've never seen that on any purse and in particular reptile, from the 1930's or 40's. I have to say it looks like it could be from the late 1950's or 1960's.

It's machine stitched but I don't know how how thin real reptile skins can be worked. It might be real alligator.There are some very good examples of vintage reptile- alligator/crocodile handbags online.

The divided inner purse is for coins - suede and the other for cosmetics.

 

[scillas]

Thanks Vertugarde, yes I wondered about the logo/pin myself because it's really clumsily attached compared to the beatiful finish on the rest of the bag. That doesn't really match.
Could it be be the initials of the owner applied later? It doesn't look original, I think. I looked at others vintage reptile-bags online, but can't find anything that has the same lack of structure as mine, so perhaps it's some kind of treated/printed normal patent leather.
And thanks for the info on the divides inner purse - that makes sense.

 

[Linn]

I was looking something else up, and came across this faux alligator purse carried by Twiggy in the mid-60's, which reminds me of yours - not the structure but the finish. The photo is from Caroline Cox's book, "The Handbag". The coloring is different but it's possible that your bag is faux alligator, as well.

I think the applied logo is probably a commercial logo rather than initials.

Linn

 

[scillas]

Thanks, Lynn – Yes, I lean towards faux alligator too. Great photo, by the way!

 

[cmpollack]

Scillas--the fact that your purse is lined in leather and suede argues against the exterior being a faux material, and I agree that the "wrinkles" between the scales look like natural variation vs embossing...