Vintage Mappin & Webb Lizard skin Handbag. c 1940's

" I survived the war. For goodness sake take me out and show me a good time!"

This impressive handbag bears the name of a company with a reputation for superior quality and craftmanship - Mappin & Webb. Established in 1774, and known primarily as a leading maker of fine jewellery and silverware, Mappin & Webb was granted a Royal Warrant in 1897. Today, Mappin & Webb holds two Royal Warrants, as silversmith to HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Charles. The company no longer produces its own range of handbags, which we think adds to the desirability of its vintage items. This classic-shaped handbag is made from lizard skin in a rich caramel shade; both the front and back of the bag feature an additional lizard skin centre section. Lizard skin forms the double-layered handles, and it neatly covers the bar which runs along the top of the bag frame. A subtle decorative element is is provided by small strips of lizard skin at the points where the handles meet the body of the bag. The outer edges of the goldtone metal frame have been embellished with an arched metal trim, and the metal clasp is a slim oblong shape, open at the centre. The interior of the bag is lined with light-coloured suede, and there are two pockets one of which is zipped. The interior of the bag displays a black fabric label, which reads 'Mappin & Webb Ltd', in gold-coloured lettering.Condition: Excellent with very slight discolouring of the skin on the under side of the bag.