Location July 1947:

Embassy Plastic Products, Inc.
Formerly Lesser Bag, Inc.
38 West 32nd Street
New York 1, NY

Chicago Location:
36 South State Street

In July 1947, Lesser Handbag's full page ad in Handbags Illustrated trumpeted it's presence in many of the largest department stores in the country. It was critical to reinforce the company's name change before Fall and Holiday ordering.

The same issue, page 40 showed Embassy's style 955, priced at $35.65 per dozen wholesale. It was available in alligator or lizard grain leather in black, brown, rust and red.

"A bag which speaks well for the wearer's taste. Its lines are rounded and it has a lid top gleaming with gold. A single wide handle forms the means of carrying it. Note the cunning clasp. All told it is an ideal accessory for the train-travel young generation. By Embassy Plastic Prods."

The 1950s

Quarter page ad February 1950 "Handbags and Fashion Accessories," page 66

Full page ad October 1955 "Handbags & Accessories" page 4

Another full page ad October 1955 "Handbags & Accessories" page 8, this time for a leather clutch.

The October 1955 "Handbags & Accessories" features an extensive collection of bags for The Holidays and these words of guidance for buyers looking for enticing possibilities.

Show novelties and classics for Christmas

MATERIALS: look for fur, the real thing and imitations thereof processed cowhide elegant calf, rich suede
DETAILS: note whangee touches, medallions tabs end buckles double entry openings
SHAPES: include severe through softened silhouettes continue the slim look

SCUFF RESISTANT Sur-v-lon, a vinyl material, is used in saddle stitched shoulder strap bag from Embassy P.P. Inside zipper. Several browns, black and white bark.

"Handbags & Accessories" October 1955, page 16

In spite of its name, Embassy Plastic Products, this company also sold alligator bags. (Handbags & Accessories" October 1955, page 31). While the bags with body parts are not sought after by collectors, the plain styles are quite collectible, in spite of the lesser quality of materials and construction.

''NOW! $7.50 each Size: Approx. 6" x 9" #175—Head — #177—Plain Double flapped GENUINE ALLIGATORS with two compartments and inside zipper. Adj. Shoulder Strap. Colors: NATURAL AND BROWN.''

Embassy using new material
Irving Peyser of Embassy P. P., Inc., has announced a group of new Neva-Scuff Handbags made of Sur-V-lon. This material is said to be scuff-resistant and is finished with a patented process to retain its new look and color fastness. It has been treated to resist fading, running, blemishing or staining.
The bags, which feature antique-finished ornaments and white saddle stitching, are available in California Tan, White Bark, Ginger Tan, India Brown and black. "Handbags & Accessories" October 1955, page 50

Italian leather bags were widely imported in the mid-50s when post-WWII production was up and running again in Europe. Embassy's bags came in any color, as long as it was NATURAL in "Handbags & Accessories" August 1956, page 5

Cruise Wear Varies For Day and Evening

A varied assortment of bags is necessary to a woman traveler. Both day and evening bags are needed as are roomy bags designed particularly for travel. $10 - $25 (Handbags & Accessories December 1959, page 48)

"CROCHET cellophane straw bags in this picture. A softly draped bag with a shell handle left. At the right is a tall pouch with a lucite frame, lock and self-straw handle. Both from Embassy Plastics, 38 W. 32nd St."

HANDBAG BRIEFS

Embassy Plastics, 38 W. 32nd St., showing Italian straw bag groups to retail from $3 to $12.95. Cowhides are $3 and up in dark and light colors; all sizes and shapes available. A group of French plastic bags appear at $5 retail ; hand tooled cowhide bags from Guatemala and Mexico retail from $5 to $25. Some smart leather bags trimmed with the American eagle are shown. (Handbags & Accessories December 1959, page 52)

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