Circa 1980's Barlow Nantucket Handbag with Iris Flowers
Lined with a Pretty Floral Print
Signed Barlow on the Bottom

This is an 80's Barlow Handbag with a lovely ivoryrite Plaque of Beautiful Purple Iris Flowers. 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 plaque 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 Phillipines 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 - 10.25" including the handle
Width -8"
Height - 7" without the handle, 11.75" with the handle

Near MINT Condition - This lovely is qualified as Near Mint Condition. It is qualified as Near Mint Condition due to one tiny glue spot (that is hard to notice and appears to be from when it was originally made). This Lovely is Ready to Carry and to Add to Your Collection.

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