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Museum object · Clothing - Fashion and Historical

Black envelope style handbag with lace up detail

mid 20th century

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

COLLECTION RECORDImage not availableExplore the catalog description and source record.
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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A black envelope-style handbag with lace up detail once owned by Precola Devore-Parks. The front flap is made from one panel of black microsuede with a front lace up detail made from three strips of .25” wide black faux leather. The faux leather strips have been inserted into three sets of two grommeted holes that lead to the interior of the flap. The top strip is attached to a 3.5” wide navy faux bow. At the bottom third of the flap, is a narrow panel of black patent leather that curves downward towards the center front, covering the hidden snap closure. The snap closure is made from an ovoid shaped piece of gold-colored metal. Attached to the top of the purse with gold colored hardware is a 13” long strap made from black patent leather.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2007.3.135

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