Basket weaving, seaside enterprise, and fashion history all hand-crafted into this Vintage Farnum Nantucket Basket Handbag! The Nantucket basket became popular in the 19th century with the rise of whaling. Though this handbag features the same weave and shape as those original baskets, Ivoryite is utilized instead of traditional bone scrimshaw. Ivoryite can be seen in the pin-closure, the handle attachments, and the oval decorative piece on the lid featuring tall ships. With this 1970s creation, we admire the past as much as we applaud technological advancement. There is room for both in this clever handbag!
Collector's Notes:
Vintage Handmade Ivoryite Scrimshaw Farnum Nantucket Basket Handbag; hand-signed on bottom of basket.
The inside sticker reads: "The FARNUM Handbag is a hand-made, authentic reproduction of the original Nantucket basket, a treasured heirloom since the turn of the century. The decoration is genu-ine IVORYITE Scrimshaw. IVORYITE is synthetic ivory, formulated to reproduce the beauty of real ivory without the needless slaughter of elephants or whales. US Patent OR1104737 10/24/78 Tropical Enterprises Inc. Naples, FL"
Condition: Very Good - Excellent
Expected wear for age; minor overall wear, leather straps that attach lid to base look dry and one has been lovingly repaired. Inspect images and video.
Size: 10" width; 7" depth; 12" total height; 6 3/4"height without handle; 5/8" handle width
