c1960s Lizard Skin Handbag from Italy
Description
This fine handbag exudes an air of vintage sophistication! It features a rigid body and handle, both made from lizard skin displaying warm beige tones. It is much more usual for us to find vintage lizard skin bags in dark brown, and we think the lighter, softer colouring of this item adds to its appeal. The bag is a relatively small design, with a shape that incorporates curving top and bottom edges, plus a curved frame. The frame is also covered with lizard skin, contributing to the bag's neat overall style. Extra detail has been given to the front and back faces of the bag, by means of a subtly-raised, central section of lizard skin. However, it is the smooth and glossy finish of the skin that gives the bag an appealing touch of sleekness and elegance! Shining goldtone metal has been used for the handle fittings and also for the bag clasp (which features a bow-shaped top section). Pushing the clasp back reveals an interior lined with leather in a dark brown shade. There are three pockets, two of which are open-topped (and finished with a contrasting edging), whilst the third is secured with a metal zip. A label is attached to one of the pockets, which reads 'MARFORIO VENEZIA'. Although this identifies the bag as Italian, we have not been able to discover any details about the brand - the name Marforio could be the maker, or alternatively, it could refer to the shop in Venice where the bag was originally purchased.
Manufacturer: Signed 'Marforio Venezia'
Country of manufacture:
Italy
Product ref: B478
Condition
Excellent. Although the interior reveals that this bag has been used in the past, it has nevertheless survived in robust and highly appealing condition! The lizard skin body shows a clean and unscuffed appearance throughout - it is also free from any dents or scratches. The front and back faces continue to display the smooth and glossy finish that is one of the bag's key attractions. The lizard skin handle is sturdy and firmly attached - as is the case with the bag body, it shows minimal sign of age or wear. The metal clasp and handle fittings retain a gleaming goldtone finish, with only the very slightest sign of rubbing to the surface of the clasp. As mentioned earlier, the interior displays some evidence of use in the form of small marks and superficial scuffs to the brown leather lining - however, these are not easily noticeable, and in our view, they do not detract from the impressive overall appearance of the bag. A close look at the frame when the bag is shut reveals that its left side protrudes slightly more than the right, but this does not affect the secure working of the clasp. Whilst this handbag was never designed to hold a large number of items, its sense of refined style is sure to be admired whenever it is carried in the future!
Material: Lizard skin and goldtone metal exterior, leather interior
Measurements: w:230mm x h:170mm x d:65mm. Plus handle drop of 115mm
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