DESIGNER BRAND: Comtesse Made in st Germany (interior label)
TYPE: Front flap satchel with complex, tailored gussets, a back exterior pocket and a top handle (doubled, not adjustable). Custom-made by hand per order for an important customer.
CIRCA: 1980s
SKIN: Crocodile Porosus in exquisite buff color (uber valuable and expensive, central belly cuts of remarkable symmetry) treated with coveted and expensive Bombe finish. The color is just heavenly and so elegant.
METAL: Gold plated accents (a clasp, handle d-rings and studs)
INTERIOR: Leather trimmed with matching skin (two large compartments with a slip and a zippered pockets)
CONDITION: Excellent vintage condition with minor traces of gentle use (a couple of faint penmarkes on the interior). The strong, doubled strap does not adjust anymore because of the new repair (reflected in the price). A very pretty and valuable crocodile porosus purse in rare Blush color.
STYLIST'S TIP: Add a whiff of buff pastel to your strong business attire or glamorous evening outfit in dramatic prints, to soften the edges.
HISTORY: Comtesse, a German luxury handbags maker, was founded by A.D. Kopp in 1929. Their custom-made handbags are handcrafted from quality leathers, skins (alligator, crocodile, ostrich) and horsehair utilizing the unique skills of German, century-long traditions. They started exporting their products to South America in 1937; and to the North American markets in 1948. In 1953, the designer brand of COMTESSE was established, which has found wide recognition and commercial success worldwide. In 1958, they received an international award for excellence in craftsmanship in Brussels. Their handbags for the American market were usually labeled "Made in stern Germany". In the 1960s, the brand expanded to the Asian markets as well. Since then, they have been enjoying high appreciation by savvy fashionistas, celebrities and royalty (e.g. H.I.M. Crown Princess Masako of ). For decades, their handbags have been custom-made by hand per special order. At the beginning of each season, their customers could pre-order any model from their annual collections, in any color or material available for that season. Presently, a range of 200 variations per each design can be ordered annually. In 2009, the company was acquired by Arkis, a Swiss fashion label specializing in luxury ready-To-wear and leather accessories.
BOOK: Read about collectible vintage crocodile handbags in our fashion encyclopedia, "Exotic Skin Handbags: Alligator & Crocodile" by Victoria Stowe. You're welcome to purchase an autographed copy of the book from our Malleries boutique.
