Lavender Hill Antiques

Description

Fab! - Stunning, these highly collectable Caro-nan bags are becoming so difficult to find and this is a fine example - with the penny to the top indicating 1974, it is in truly beautiful vintage condition. A substantial piece standing c. 9" inch tall x 8.5" inch wide - fully basket weaved and then handpainted with amazing decals from the period "Happiness is..." "Love" "Just for you" "Paradise" etc. Lined to the inside with a period tartan/gingham - the original brass hinges are also in good order. A true vintage investment piece to be loved and cherished! - Each Caro-nan piece is individual this particular piece was made for Ann Irwin Inc of Elm Grove Wisconsin and depicts buildings from Elm Grove village, such as the Sunset Playhouse, the Grove Public House, Elm Grove Womens Club, the House of Roses etc - just amazing detail, it is a truly wonderful piece - I predict these super bags to rise in popularity especially after the recent Country Living Magazine Article.

History

Nancy Steele and Carolyn McDaniel, from Jackson Mississippi, began making these cute kitchy handbags and purses in the early 1960s . Originally sold from their garage then a boutique then as their popularity soared they began selling them to other boutiques across the South of North America. They customised these to include the name of the shop and of local attractions in the area. The little buildings around the bottom depict the names of the local shops. Nancy Steele's daughter glued a penny onto the top of many of them that carried the date the purse was made. As they grew they hired women in their area who were artistic and needed money to help them paint the purses. Eventually they were being sold by the best boutiques all over the country.