1950s Martin Van Schaak Custom Red Alligator Purse
Description
Stunning midcentury purse by noted handbag designer Martin Van Schaak
- Structured rectangular bag
- Genuine deep red alligator leather
- Ridged gold-tone metal top frame with kiss lock
- Leather handle with gold-tone metal hardware
- Tan stitching
- Lined with red leather with one large pocket on one side, and a large pocket, lipstick pocket, and smaller zippered pocket on the other
- Stamped "Martin Van Schaak New York" in gold
History: "Martin Van Schaak hardly ever advertised, and did not sell his designs in stores. His important customers—ladies of means and fame—usually discovered him by seeing his fabulous creations carried by others. Happy to get his name and telephone number, they would make an appointment to visit him at his Upper East Side apartment in New York...his clients included actresses Dina Merrill and Marie Oberon, as well as Mrs. John F. Kennedy." (Source: https://www.victoriastowecollection.com/single-post/2014/11/20/martin-van-schaak-history)
View measurement guide
With vintage garments, you can't rely on the original size tag (if it even exists)! We recommend comparing our measurements of a garment to the measurements of one of your own favorite garments to ensure a proper fit.
We measure each garment flat in inches as follows:
Bust: measured armpit to armpit and doubled
Waist: measured at the natural waist and doubled
Hips: measured at the lowest/fullest part of the hip and doubled
Garment Length: measured from the shoulder down to the hem
Shoulder to shoulder: measured from shoulder seam to shoulder seam
Sleeve length: measured from the shoulder seam to the cuff
Rise: measured from the crotch seam to the waist
Inseam: measured from the crotch seam to the hem
Orders are processed and shipped from our studio in 1-2 days, Monday through Friday. All orders are shipped via USPS. You may select a USPS delivery service at checkout.
We do not accept returns or exchanges in-store or online, so please review the item descriptions (particularly measurements and condition) carefully before purchasing.