This is a very lovely example of an Armadillo bag - I certainly wouldn't condone modern ones - but this one dates from the 1940s or early 1950s and as such has been departed for about 80 years now. This is being sold for its historical interest.
I personally bought this at a vintage store in Los Angeles in the 1990s - and it was quite an old item even then! Oh! the fun and games that I had at airport security checkout trying to take it back! That is a long story!
These bags were made as tourist souvenirs in South America in the early / mid 20th century - and are now getting harder to find - especially these better quality ones.
As you can see from my photographs - this one follows the common design for these old bags - but please note it is much better finished - with a little head, little back feet and forefeet as decorative elements - and a nice sturdy clasp. The head section can be lifted up and reveals the opening to the interior of the bag - the inside clean with original red cotton material - and with it's original little mirror in the lid.
Condition: the lid or flap with the head has in the past been more firmly stitched to the main body of the bag - they have done with with a coloured wool. I am sure that this could be stitched over with a dark brown wool so it was not so obvious. The lid is firmly attached to the main body of the bag. There is also a little loose part of the lining - but nothing major or of great worry. I have photographed these areas for your inspection and price the bag to take this into account.
The bag has a long length carrying strap made of plaited leather - it can easily be used cross-body.
Dimensions: The width of the bag is 11 1/2 inches. The height is 7 1/2 inches. The depth is roughly 6 1/2 inches.
The bag is in good clean condition. The main body section is ridged along the bottom and round onto the back - the skin is nice and shiny and in excellent condition - no grubbiness or staining. No smells or anything else nasty.
These bags are more commonly found in the States and shipping from the US to the UK tends to be rather expensive - so much cheaper to get one on offer here.
Listed at a very fair price - given the top quality finish, fine quality and current clean and smart condition.
Postage will be with Royal Mail Tracked & Signed Postage (Medium Parcel). This will be applied to your order at the checkout.