Is this leather purse old or just in rough shape?

Hello! Another auction piece from me- leather purse with metal closure which pushes down to open. I know it's in rough shape but I felt the need to rescue it. It measures 7"L x 6.5"H (excluding strap). I feel like the strap was added later? It has been cleaned and conditioned but needs a few more conditionings (looks a bit like a burnt cake atm)! Any idea if it has any age or just a bit neglected? Thanks!

 

interesting...
that looks like thick cowhide, and with no attention to the finishing touches inside...like lining.....I'd say homemade...and well used.....30's...40's maybe...

 

You could certainly beat off a mugger with that bag!
I think @komokwa is right on about age.
I'm even wondering if it's a ladies shoulder bag at all.
That strange connection to the longer strap is suspect.

 

Thanks both of you! I agree, you could knock someone out if one foul swoop . It is definitely "rustic", haven't come across anything quite like it. Perhaps it isn't a "purse" as such, perhaps even a work bag for a lady or man, of some sort?

 

Maybe the strap goes around the users waist?

 

Hmm, that's definitely possible! I had just assumed that the purse/bag and strap hadn't started life together.

 

Quite a bit earlier and designed, as above, to be worn around waist.

This ad is from 1909. Very practical; women were beginning to engage in outdoor/sporting activities.

Debora

 

Wow that's amazing, great find! Do you think the one I have is earlier than the 30s then?

 

Quite likely. It's had quite a life, but it was meant to be a tough customer.

 

To my eye, it's turn-ish of the 20th century. You can search adding search word "calfskin" and find other examples of similars like this one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/293584349539

Debora

 

Great, thanks for the input everyone. I had hoped it was older, what an interesting and odd purse!

 

Must have been thrilling for late Victorian woman to be able to bike and hike. Think of these as the fanny packs of the era.

Debora

 

I like that idea! Yes, how liberating

 

In need of a strong drink of some type of leather conditioner! It should bounce back beautifully!

 

I have conditioned it twice now, will continue to for the foreseeable

 

I didn't want to say anything - But I add a little Expensive Filtered EVOV to my leather conditioner and rub it in with an extreme soft cloth.

 

and that's why we have experts here...

 

That is fascinating. Great find, and post! If I have time today I'll see whether any photos in my collection show one of those.

 

Cool find! I think you all nailed it!
Leslie