Please note that this piece is now well over 60 years old. I certainly do not condone the killing and farming of crocodiles today to make contemporary fashion accessories. This bag comes from a period when these practices were generally more acceptable.
This is certainly a quirky handbag and is made from a little alligator. It is complete with its head (with little glass eyes), and little feet and all its wee claws. The little alligator head - even still has its upper little teeth, all as photographed.
The skin is very thick and it is a nice sturdy and well made example. The handle is made of thick alligator and is original to the bag. It has no signs of wear or condition issues. It is on firm brass hooks attached to the bag frame.
The interior is lined with a beige suede. It has two large pouch sections - one is open inside and the other has a sliding brass clasp closure. Inside the closed pouch are two little pockets - one you could put in a little mirror and the other could contain a credit card. The fact that this pouch has a double closure offers you double security for your valuables. The suede is generally nice and clean with no biro marks, no lipstick stains or grubbiness. It is vintage - so it is slightly discoloured with age.
The bag is a nice larger size: It measures 11 1/2 inches wide and with a body height of 7 3/4 inches and the drop from handle to bottom of bag is 11 1/2 inches.
It dates to the 1940s or 1950s when these types of bags were very fashionable, and is perhaps not to everyone's taste these days. These bags were often made in Florida or Cuba at this period and sold as souvenirs to tourists. I have recently sold a little purse which was marked inside "Cuba". But certainly they hail from the Southern States of the US or South America regions.
This bag is only for postage in the UK. It will be very carefully packed and will be sent to you with Royal Mail Special Next Day Delivery - so that is is safe and fully insured in transit.