This is an an absolutely beautiful vintage Caiman crocodile skin handbag, of superb quality and finish, made from a gorgeous crocodile skin in a rich deep chestnut colour (more red than the photos appear)with a very glossy patina. The skins on the outside are in excellent supple condition and quite without scratches or abrasions (please see photos). The twin handles are strong and intact with minimal wear. The point where the handles join the handbag have an interesting and attractive decorative feature, which illustrates the quality and attention to detail of this handbag. The skins on both sides of the handbag are in excellent condition as is the skin on the base, which unusually curves up to the sides of the handbag. The only blemish to the skins is a few scratches to the centre of the back panel, not hugely noticeable and a slight lifting of a scale on the bottom of one side gusset (please see photos). The gilt frame is in excellent shiny condition with minimal tarnish. The squared top bar is crocodile covered and the gilt clasp is a square lift over clasp with a keyhole on the top. Astonishingly, given the age of the handbag, the key is still with it, pinned to the inside zipper, an indication of how well the handbag has been looked after. The handbag is lined in a very soft, luxurious warm tan suede which is clean with no marks or stains and has the label stating its origin sewn in. The lining itself is very attractive with several slip pockets, edged in crocodile, a feature panel of crocodile skin and a zipped pocket.
This is a very impressive looking vintage Caiman crocodile handbag of excellent quality, in excellent condition, in a very wearable rich chestnut colour and quite rare to find, especially with the working lock and key. It is a proper grown up handbag which has all the associations of a more leisurely and glamorous era. In the days when this handbag would have been made, travel to Argentina was only for the wealthy and this would have been an expensive item. It could be worn anywhere to even the smartest events. Perfect gift for her.
It is 11" x 8" x 4"
This is a very impressive looking vintage Caiman crocodile handbag of excellent quality, in excellent condition, in a very wearable rich chestnut colour and quite rare to find, especially with the working lock and key. It is a proper grown up handbag which has all the associations of a more leisurely and glamorous era. In the days when this handbag would have been made, travel to Argentina was only for the wealthy and this would have been an expensive item. It could be worn anywhere to even the smartest events. Perfect gift for her.
It is 11" x 8" x 4"