Attaching Metal Handlehardware To Vintage Reptile Purses

[vintage clothing lovere]

I have a small vintage clothing shop that sells clothing from the early 1800s through the 1950s. I have many wonderful alligator, leather and reptile handbags without handles. Unfortunately, the handles were often made of the same skin as the handbag --sewn directly to the handbag. Through the years, they dried and fell off.

I would love to save these wonderful works of art by attaching new handles.

Would someone please tell me how to go about this? What equipment do I need? Is it possible to use a glue designed for these types of skins? I have no idea how to start, but I would really like to learn this so these wonderful alligator and reptile skin handbags can be used again.

Thank you all so much for your advice!!

[dirtclod]

The few times i tried to do anything to a dryed out vintage purse something else tore up while i was trying to fix the first thing. My suggestion would be to leave them alone and sell as is.

[vintage clothing lovere]

The purses I want to try this with are all structured and the skins are soft and in great shape as I use Bics lotion on them all the time. I think they would hold up just fine. I also have a couple of 80s alligator purses I would like to embellish with old jewelry someday. But first I need to learn how to work with these correctly so I made a useable good product. but HOOOOWWWW? I am lost in this area, but anxious to learn. The first question is--how to attach metal for a handle.

[benlilly1]

Sounds like you have a neat idea trying to salvage them. I can't help you but I'm sure someone will jump on here.