United States, ca. 1940s to 1950s CE. A collection of four alligator purses and checkbooks - the skin purse with a kiss lock snap closure and the checkbook appear unused - with crisp pockets. The original cotton dust cloth is marked: "H. Mande specialists in handcrafted Solid alligator wallets." The two alligator foot coin pouches are a bit more worn, but intact with the animal's claws nicely preserved! Size of checkbook: 7" L x 4" W (17.8 cm x 10.2 cm)

Alligator leather was widely used in the South during the American Civil War by soldiers out of necessity. The striking texture, color, softness, and the allure of exotic reptilian scales made it popular as a fashion item in the later Victorian era. Production of alligator goods increased dramatically in the late 1800s and 1900s with the opening of large, commercial tanneries. Alligator purses were an iconic fashion staple in the 1940s and 1950s, but unsurprisingly the alligator population plummeted dramatically with unregulated overhunting, and by the 1960s the American gator was classified as endangered - putting end to most leather production until the population recovered in the 1980s.

Provenance: private Livermore, Colorado, USA collection

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#184646

Some wear and use to feet purses, with cracking to seams and along toe creases. Purse with clasp and checkbook look un used and excellent condition. Original cotton dust cloth bag is included, and has a few stains.