Reptile Leather Handbag

Object/Artifact

-

The Recorded Image Project

Name/Title

Reptile Leather Handbag

Entry/Object ID

RE-AR-2026-0011

Description

Mid-Century Structured Reptile Leather Handbag

Use

Handbag

Category

Mid-Century

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1950 - circa 1965

Time Period

20th Century

Place

Continent

Antarctica

Notes

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

Materials

Material

Leather, Brass

Material Notes

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.

Color

Brown

Condition

Overall Condition

Very Good

Date Examined

Jan 23, 2026

Notes

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

General Notes

Note Type

Description

Note

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.

Create Date

January 23, 2026