This is a very striking 70s statement handbag in a dark emerald green snakeskin which is in excellent condition and really eye catching. Firstly it's quite an imposing looking handbag, very wide with a very large handle and a distinctive gilt clasp. There are small gilt rings to each handle fixing which could be used to fix a gilt chain, there was probably a long snakeskin shoulder strap originally with the handbag rather than a gilt chain, but a chunky chain would look great. The condition of the snakeskin is excellent overall but there is slight rubbing to edges and to the handle on top. There is slight lifting of scales here and there but not sufficient to spoil the look of the handbag. The gilt clasp has some diminution of gilt but no scratches. The underneath of the flap to the handbag is made from dark green good quality thick leather which is in excellent clean unscratched condition.
It is lined in tan suede and divided into two compartments. The suede to these compartments is clean with no marks or stains. The side gussets have 'notches' cut out of them (visible in the photos below but not visible unless the bag is open) which we assume were to accommodate something which fitted in the bag from side to side under the flap, possibly an umbrella? There is no brand name on the handbag and we have no idea whether it is English, our best guess would be that it was made in Spain. We think it would have been quite expensive 'back in the day' as it is made from excellent quality materials, good leather and genuine snakeskin, at a time when synthetic materials and mass produced imported handbags from the Far East were becoming more prevalent.
This is a great looking handbag, in a very useable size. It is a rich deep green snakeskin which is quite rare, so if it is a 'different' handbag you are looking for, not run of the mill high street, then this is a perfect choice. It would make a great gift, or keep it for yourself and make your colleagues green with envy!
It is 14" x 7.5" x 3"