Important Note: This piece is part of our newly sourced London collection. Shipping timeline is 3–4 weeks. We offer free shipping and no customs charges within India. For international shipping, please write to us. Shipping timeline within UK is 3 to4 days.
 
A 1960s Treasure in Genuine Snakeskin — with a Hidden History Tucked Inside
There are vintage bags… and then there are heirlooms that feel like they’ve lived a life before you.
This extraordinary 1960s genuine snakeskin top-handle handbag, preserved in remarkably refined condition, belongs to the latter.
 
Crafted over 55–60 years ago, this structured beauty showcases classic mid-century British elegance: sculpted sides, a gently domed silhouette, warm amber-brown snakeskin scales that gleam softly under light, and a brass kiss-lock clasp that still snaps shut with confidence.
 
But what makes this piece truly magical is what was found inside.
Hidden deep in the inner pocket was a UDT Good Credit Card dated 9 February 1968, issued by United Dominions Trust, a prestigious British financial institution of that era. Back then, UDT cards were symbols of excellent personal standing—issued only to individuals with flawless financial behaviour. They were widely used for high-value purchases like cars, boats, household investments, and professional goods.
Finding this card inside the bag feels like stumbling upon a whispered secret from the past—a quiet affirmation that the woman who once carried this handbag lived a life of means, stability, and refinement. In many ways, the UDT card is a good-luck charm—a symbol of prosperity, fortune, and favourable circumstances. A small talisman of abundance, passed from one era to the next.
We are including the card with the bag, not as a functional item but as a piece of its provenance—a delicate keepsake that adds charm, nostalgia, and storytelling value for the new collector.
 
✨ DESIGN & FEATURES ✨
• Genuine Snakeskin Exterior (Expert Assessment Below)
The outer material is authentic snakeskin, identifiable from the scale lift, irregular scale patterning, concave scale shapes, and natural variation in the pattern. It has the unmistakable sheen and texture of real snakeskin from this era.
• Smooth Leather Interior (Expert Assessment Below)
The interior is crafted from real, smooth leather, not textile or faux suede. The texture, creasing behaviour, and natural grain visible in your photos confirm this. The pale beige tone mimics suede, but it is leather.
• A Secret, Hidden Compartment
Beyond the main storage, the bag conceals an intuitive-but-not-immediately-visible hidden section—a slim compartment for valuables, discreet enough to keep small essentials tucked safely away. A feature often found in high-quality mid-century British handbags.
• Strong Structure & Generous Capacity
Despite being a vintage piece, the structure is beautifully intact. It easily fits:
✔ multiple phones
✔ a small notebook
✔ wallet
✔ keys & essentials
The opening is wide and accessible.
 
✨ MEASUREMENTS ✨
Base length: ~26–26.5 cm
Top width: ~18 cm
Height: ~18 cm
Depth / breadth: ~11 cm
Handle drop: ~14 cm
A perfect everyday size—classic, elegant, and substantial without being bulky.
✨ CONDITION (Exceptional for a 1960s Piece)
 
Over half a century old and still in remarkably preserved condition.
Exterior snakeskin: rich, vibrant, beautifully aged patina
Brass clasp: very minor superficial scratch (negligible, but disclosed for transparency)
Interior: clean and crisp, with a tiny surface scuff on one panel—expected and absolutely negligible for a 1960s leather-lined handbag
Structure: firm, no collapse
Stitching: intact
 
For its age, the bag is an extraordinary find.
 
- c.1960s;
- Snakeskin leather exterior; suede coloured leather interior;
- In Very Good  vintage condition. No defect or damage or damage. Please see close up video for quality assurance.
- Measures: 26.5 cm bottom width; 18 cm top width x 18 cm height x 14 cm handle height
- Sourced from London, England.