Overview
A sophisticated mid-century structured handbag crafted from genuine lizard skin with a luxurious chocolate suede interior. This piece features a classic gold-tone frame and includes its rare, original matching lizard-trimmed coin purse.
Identification
Fassbender Genuine Lizard Skin Handbag, c. 1955
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Story
Fassbender's mid-century structural compositions represent a pivotal moment in London's post-war design revival, creating highly texturized works for an era defining refined elegance.
Maker / Origin
The London-based Fassbender studio was renowned in the 1950s for manipulating exotic organic mediums over rigid frameworks to produce works of distinct tactile permanence.
Condition & Value
The extraordinary survival of the matching miniature companion piece and original 10-inch suspension hardware insulates the work from severe restoration penalties common to the era. The lizard skin appears remarkably well-preserved with no visible 'lifting' or dryness.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The market for mid-century mixed-media works by recognized English studios like Fassbender is stable but heavily favors pieces executed in exotic organic mediums. Anchoring against same-artist sold auction results, singular lizard skin compositions typically clear between $75 and $100 (e.g., The Saleroom, Q4 2022), while pairs or exceptional pieces can reach $150 (Martel Maides, May 2024). The lower boundary of the market is demonstrated by a $50 secondary dealer sale for a structurally sound but internally stained piece. The owner's claims regarding the dimensions and inclusion of the matching change purse are fully supported by the evidence; this rare matching miniature companion work and the original 10-inch suspension hardware elevate the subject composition above standard single planar works. This market-informed estimate assumes no strict restoration penalties apply to the organic surface or suede support.
Value Drivers
▲ Firm attribution to the Fassbender studio via intact 'MADE IN ENGLAND' text snippets
▲ Execution in a premium organic medium (genuine lizard skin) which commands a market premium
▲ Inclusion of the rare, matching miniature companion piece (suede and lizard diptych component)
▲ Retention of the original 10-inch suspension element without modern replacement
Concerns
▼ Strict restoration penalties apply if the organic surface requires inpainting or varnish correction
▼ Potential unmitigated structural tears or interior suede staining would discount the work toward the $50 market floor
▼ The collector base for mid-century soft-sculptural and structural mixed-media pieces remains highly niche
Best Venue
Specialized mid-century design auctions (such as those on LiveAuctioneers) targeting collectors of authenticated 1950s English studio pieces.
Upside Potential
Exceptional, untouched condition of the interior suede support and flawless organic surface patina could push the piece toward the $150 ceiling established by multi-piece auction lots.
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