Handbag

circa 1950 – circa 1965

20th Century

Origin: Likely United States (possibly Italy for the leather, assembled in U.S.)

Leather

Brass

Genuine reptile leather (most consistent with lizard, not crocodilian) Brass or gold-tone metal frame Leather interior with zippered compartment Matching reptile-wrapped handle Possibly Tegu leather This is almost certainly lizard, not alligator or crocodile: Small, even rectangular scales Flexible, relatively thin skin Central “spine” panel visible on both sides No large scutes or umbilical scar (which croc/alligator would show) Lizard was widely used before import restrictions tightened later in the 20th century.

Brown

Very Good

Jan 23, 2026

Exterior: Visible creasing and dryness consistent with age No catastrophic cracking or scale loss (this is key) Color wear is even and attractive Handle: Shows wear but remains structurally intact No splitting at attachment points (huge plus) Interior: Leather lining intact Zipper functional No obvious rot or flaking

Description

Reptile leather (likely lizard), brass frame, leather lining United States, c. 1950–1965 Rectangular top-handle handbag reflecting postwar fashion trends and the popularity of exotic leathers in mid-century women’s accessories.