1920s Antique Tooled Leather Handbag Art Nouveau Kiss Lock Chestnut

The front panel features intricate tooled leatherwork in a geometric petal motif that sits right at the beautiful crossroads of Art Nouveau floralism and the emerging geometry of Art Deco.

The ornate kiss-lock frame is original, fully functional, and has developed a gorgeous patina consistent with close to a century of age. The braided leather handle is intact and strong. Whipstitch edging runs the full perimeter of the bag, a hand-finishing detail that speaks to the quality of its original construction.

The chestnut brown leather has developed the kind of rich, complex patina that simply cannot be manufactured or replicated. This bag has lived. It carries its age beautifully.

Details:

• Deep chestnut brown tooled leather
• Geometric Art Nouveau petal motif on front panel
• Ornate brass kiss-lock frame, fully functional, with natural verdigris patina
• Braided leather handle
• Whipstitch leather edging throughout
• No maker's mark, consistent with American factory production of the era
• Era: 1920s, approximately 1915 to 1930
• Condition: Beautiful antique condition with rich patina consistent with age. Natural wear and dryness along interior edges and gusset seams.