A gorgeous midcentury Andrew Geller piece in real crocodile. It's hard to find the words to do a handbag like this justice - the color in particular makes a truly striking, elegant statement. This is a top-handle handbag in a deep olive green, with tones of honey and sepia. The crocodile is shiny and supple, with that divine texture the creature is known for. Note the fabulous gold-plated clasp and the soft, creamy satin interior. There are several pockets lining the interior, including a zippered pocket, and ample room for modern must-haves like your phone, wallet and lipstick.
This piece has very little evidence of regular use or wear. The only signs that it was used at all are on either side of the bag (see final 2 photos for detail shots) where some painted metal appears to have cracked off at the bottom of the hard top frame. This is not terribly noticeable when the purse is being carried or otherwise in use - it's even matching on either side - but it is a broken component and therefore worth mentioning. The rest of the purse is in absolutely gorgeous condition.
Andrew Geller is a high-end brand that has been around since the mid-1930s, making its name in fine leather shoes. The brand changed the style of their logo/name sometime in the late 1950s-early 1960s, transitioning from a regal cursive style to a more modern typeset version. As this latter version is the one which appears inside this piece, in addition to the design of the bag, I'd place this piece around the late 1950s.
Interestingly, hotsell when this style of handbag first debuted, it was referred to as a "tote" style handbag. Obviously, today we have a much different association with the word - this classic, compact purse bears little resemblance to the canvas carry-alls we now call tote bags!
MEASUREMENTS
Width: 9"
Height: 7"
Handle width: 6"
Handle height: 4.5"
Product code: Stunning Vintage 50s/60s hotsell Real Crocodile Olive Green Midcentury Handbag