1950s Apricot and Clear Carved Lucite Barrel Florida Bag

1950s clear and pearlescent apricot carved lucite drum or barrel-shaped bag. One of the most desirable shapes of lucite bag, the handle is also crafted from lucite and detailed with carved florals. Each flat end of the barrel is intricately carved in a crystal-like formation. The hardware is built from gold-toned brass and the piece balances on four brass feet. The hinged lid closes with an elaborate 3-ball clasp to secure it. The inside is unlined.

Some of the most spectacular and expensive rhinestone examples were made in Miami, the home of the "Florida style" lucite bag, as the resort was frequented by the rich and famous during the 1950s. Unsigned but it may have been made by one of the greats - Charles S Khan, Florida Handbags or Patricia of Miami. Good condition for its age and rarity; slight rubbing and surface scratches to the gold-toned hardware and lucite in very good order without the 'crazing' that effects these bags as they age. There appears to be a recessed strip either side of the lid which may have had a strip row of crystals inserted but these have been removed. Circa has sold a clear lucite bag with crystal insertions previously. We deliberated on adding new strips, which are easy to source and apply yourself but the team preferred the bag 'sans' bling and so we leave this up to the new owner. It’s not at all noticeable when the bag is in use.

MEASUREMENTS:

Width 5 in. (13 cm)

Height 5 in. (13 cm)

Length 6.5 in. (17 cm)

Depth 4.5 in. (11 cm)