Victoria Stowe Collection

Evans

"The Gift of True Elegance."

Evans Case Co.

Massachusetts, USA, late '30s-1955.

Founder: Alfred F. Reilly, Samuel Haslan, Fred Burden.

Specialty: upscale handmade exotic skin handbags accessorized with sets of novelties (cigarette lighter, lipstick, comb, coin purse, mirror, compact, perfume atomizer).

Signature styles: superlative, fitted alligator and crocodile purses.

Sold by: Dale Fifth Avenue, Saks Fifth Avenue. At the time when a high-end alligator bag became a must-have accessory in the US, this brand stood apart and commanded the highest prices. Today they're very collectible, especially when in mint condition and complete with accessories.

Mark: Evans Elegance.

Illustration: Evans Elegance handbag ad, Harper's Bazaar 1953.

Read more about this designer brand in our book. 

Source: © 2010 Victoria Stowe "Exotic Skin Handbags: Alligator & Crocodile." All rights reserved.