Wonderful early 20th century leather frame handbag offered with the period ephemera discovered inside, including a dated 1905 Lynchburg, Virginia fair brochure and a Norfolk & Western Railway calling card. A fascinating historical group with wonderful untouched antique character.
• Maker: Unknown
• Era: Early 1900s / Edwardian era
• Material: Genuine leather with heavily textured grain; exact hide type unknown
• Color: Aged brown
• Traditional metal frame with kiss-lock closure
• Thick braided leather carrying handle
• Exterior envelope-style pocket with snap closure and two scalloped card slots
• Beautiful naturally aged leather and hardware patina
• Interior textile lining remains intact overall
• Original antique surface has not been polished or restored
ORIGINAL EPHEMERA INCLUDED
• Great State Fair brochure from Lynchburg, Virginia
• Brochure dated October 5 & 6, 1905
• S. Claude Ritchie calling/business card
• Card reads “With Norfolk & Western Ry.” and “Roanoke, Va.”
• Card bears a Typographical Union Label from Roanoke, Virginia
• Both pieces were discovered inside this handbag
• Ephemera is being kept with the handbag as a historical group rather than separated
MEASUREMENTS
• Width: Approx. 9"
• Height: Approx. 5.5"
• Handle Drop: Approx. 8"
CONDITION
• Overall Grade: Good antique condition with substantial authentic age and patina
• Handbag remains structurally intact
• Interior lining has no noted major tears or splits
• Minor loose threads and expected interior age wear
• Leather displays extensive surface wear, finish loss, scuffing, darkening and discoloration consistent with age
• Metal hardware displays oxidation, tarnish and natural patina
• Exact leather/hide species has not been identified
• Antique paper pieces display expected toning, edge wear and signs of age
• Please enlarge and review all photographs carefully as they are an important part of the condition description
SHIPPING & CARE
• Handbag and accompanying ephemera will be carefully packed together for shipment
• Antique paper pieces will be protected during shipping
• No aggressive cleaning, polishing or restoration has been performed
• Antique materials should be handled with appropriate care
