1949 Address:

Dover Handbag Co., Inc.
10 West 33rd Street
New York 1, NY
WI7-6456

According to a family member of the Dover firm, "The "Dova" brand was the higher priced brand name of Dover Handbag." (Added 2/16/07)

Display ad "Handbag Buyer" June 1949, page 51

The 1950s

Spring bags for daily use were highlighted on page 50 of the February 1950 issue of "Handbags and Fashion Accessories."

Bags for the Subway Circuit Are Couture-Conscious Too
Sell Fashion to sell volume — and the market gives you volumes to work with — smart new grains and high-style adaptions that belie their budget tabs

"IN FAITHFUL adaptation from one of the season's most popular leaders, Dover sets forth this pert satchel with gold-crested frame. In ostrich or other plastic grains."

Dover's display ad on page 69 of the same February 1950 "Handbags and Fashion Accessories"

The long, low Art Moderne style of this Dover submission for Spring 1952 can't be denied! It's SO 50's! (December 1951 Luggage & Leather Goods, page 56)

"Low SLUNG VANITY has polished gold metal frame, and double corded top handles. Lined in contrasting color plastic with inside zipper. Budget price by Dover's." (January 1954 Handbags & Accessories, page 24)

May 1955 Handbags & Accessories, page 43

E00116: Should your vintage handbag requirements lean to the monumental, this ones for you! The floral Tapestry Dover tote has great 50’s style. The vinyl tab folds through the elegant oval handle and fastens with a turnstyle latch. The spotless beige vinyl interior carries the Dover Made in USA. The oval base is covered in vinyl and is protected by tiny metal feet. Measures 15 x 4 ½ x 12 ½”. Excellent condition.

Valued at $90 and available at The Bag Lady Emporium

Vary your collection to meet day, evening, sport and dress needs.

Keep an eye on the future — continue to show resort bags now

"INNER GOLD BAR stresses horizontal shape of pouch available from Dover in patent, lizard, or calf vinyl and in faille. Lined in contrasting color, well priced bag comes with wall zipper, snap lock, single handle " (Handbags & Accessories December 1955, page 20)

Glorious examples from 10 prominant makers illustrated the article "New textures give new faces to casual bags for fall" on pages 14-15 of the August 1956 issue of "Handbags & Accessories." Dover's contribution:

"DOVA-DISC sequin type plastic appears in dark colors in group of large shapes. Velveteen vanity takes double handles of patent plastic. Dover, 10 W. 33rd St."

The 1960s

Display ad June 1961 "Handbags & Accessories, page 56

B00278: This is a striking and voluminous Dover Red Mushroom Vinyl Doctor's Bag ca. 1960. The front of the bag has a large contour top open pocket for frequently used items. The back is plain. The gold metal frame is trimmed with 4 round hemispheres that echo the spherical latch trim. It's ideal for travel or for those whose hauling needs demand large volume. Fully lined in black vinyl with a single large metal zip pocket whose zipper pull is marked "Dover." Four slightly darkened areas as the bag's only shortcomings. Measures 12 1/4 x 5 x 8" with a 14" handle.

Valued at $55 and available at The Bag Lady Emporium

Categories: Makers