An Intriguing Crocodile Skin Attache Case, Dated to 1910

Origin: Indian
Period: Early Twentieth Century
Provenance: The Crocodile shot by T.C.L.R., India
Date: c.1910
Height: 9 inches
Width: 13.5 inches
Depth: 3.5 inches

Hand made by Indian tribesman, this is a beautiful attaché case, dating to 1910, the cusp of the Edwardian era, with the leather now displaying a wonderful patina and lustrous natural shine.  The case opens to a leather aubergine interior.

Condition wise, the leather handle is probably later and two of the side skin panels are slightly loose at the corners but it is still in very useable order. The top is initialled in gilt lettering Z.O.V.R.; special agent initials if ever there were such a thing.

The attaché case began life in around 1900 essentially being a briefcase but with harder sides and squarer in size to accommodate differing documents. These were traditionally carried by an attaché, a diplomatic officer attached to an embassy or consulate officially assigned to serve in a particular capacity.

The real revelation with this particular case is that it bears a hand written paper label within reading 'Crocodile shot by T.C.L.R. in India 1910 and made up by Indian tribesmen’. This is a fascinating provenance, and presumably T.C.L.R. is a direct relative of the owner of the case, maybe it was a gift; Terrance to Zachariah with love, perhaps?

This case represents a wonderful relapse to the Edwardian era where traveling in luxurious style and hunting for sport was simply essential for those who moved in high circles.