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Museum object · Clothing - Fashion and Historical

Brown faux alligator handbag

1960s-1970s

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A brown faux alligator purse. The front and back of the purse are made from three panels of brown faux alligator leather: one large central panel (9” wide) and two side panels (each 1.5” wide). Attached to the top of the purse with trapezoid style O-rings are two 1” wide self-fabric handles. There’s a metal frame, covered with a thin layer of faux alligator, most likely adhered into place. At the center top of the frame is a 1.25” wide metal clasp and just under the metal frame is a 3.5” wide decorative, half circle, self-fabric flap. There are four metal stud feet at the bottom of the bag and a layer of stiffener (possibly cardboard) in the side panels and the bottom panel. Two panels of tan vinyl lining line the inside of the bag, which are joined at the center seam.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2007.3.1065

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