Circa 1980's Barlow Nantucket Handbag
Signed Barlow on the Bottom

This is an RARE 80's Barlow Handbag with a lovely Ivoryrite Raised Image of two Dolphins including Mother and Baby. This is a Rare Design that is hard to find except in the knock off Basket Handbags. The inside is lined in a floral fabric in navy with pink flowers and green leaves. Ivoryrite, synthetic ivory, was used for the closure, the sides of the handles, and the dolphins on the top. Ivoryrite was created as a substitute for ivory to eliminate the needless harm to animals.

A Little History of the Nantucket Handbag:
In 1948 Jose Reyes came to Nantucket from the Philippines and started the business of basket making. He conceived the idea of having covers on them and selling them as handbags for ladies. Charles Sayle worked with him and carved ivory whales for the top ornament or hand etched scrimshaw on ivory.

Over the last 40 years the Nantucket Lighthouse Basket used as a handbag has become more and more popular and today you will see these unique baskets being carried all over the world, a SYMBOL OF NANTUCKET ISLAND.

Measurements - Length - 10.5" including the handle
Width - 7.5"
Height - 7.5" without the handle, 12.75" with the handle

MINT Condition - This lovely is in qualified as Mint Condition. This Lovely is free of foibles and is Ready for You to Carry and Enjoy.

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage boutique in Birmingham, AL.