January 1955 New Location:

Harry Litwin Co.
312 Fifth Avenue
New York

from:
2 West 31st St.
New York

"Harry Litwin Co., manufacturers of bags, wallets, belts and kiddie bags has moved from 2 West 31 St., N. Y., to larger quarters at 312 Fifth Avenue." (January 1955 issue of "Handbags & Accessories" page 58)

Harry Litwin made low priced plastic and fabric bags in the 1950s. Perhaps the most famous of their products is a Lucite style called the Coffin Bag. Silk floral sprays are encased in a clear Lucite dome, preserving their beauty over the decades. These are now very sought after by collectors.

This white example, unmarked, with the Litwin curved Lucite latch sold in 2005 for $260.

The January 1954 issue of Handbags and Accessories (page 56) includes details of Harry Litwin's Spring line.

DOUBLE-DECKER box in stardust plastic has swivel plastic handle. Right, foam rubber padding gives quilted effect to genuine leather box featured in pastels. Both low priced at Harry Litwin

Good assortment of budget items

"Harry Litwin is showing his spring line which includes a. diversified group of low priced handbags and belts. Plastic bags in stardust, mother-of-pearl, lace and shell, come in styles for mother-and-daughter promotions. There's a nice assortment of puffed-effect foam rubber padded genuine leather box bags as well as genuine leather split cowhides. A line of pleated crepes to retail for $1.95 features large or small boxes and pouches; for $1.00 retail, pouches, boxes and vanities are offered in crepes as well as calf grain plastics. For the very young, midget handbags of assorted plastic grains have clear plastic outside change purse fitted with charms, kiddy make-up, etc.; these retail for 59^. Pointed or regular scalloped or cutout trimmed clear plastic contour belts are decorated with pearl drops, pearl or rhinestone studs either in separate or combination forms. Genuine top grain cowhide belts to retail for $1.00 may be had in many colors and use novelty buckles and ornaments." January 1954 "Handbags & Acessories" page 56

Accessory market round-up

"AWAY WE GO" feedbag in plaid or solid color plastic has drawstring close, lucite handles. Accordion box vanity of plastic has mirrored lid. Harry Litwin"

"Handbags & Accessories" October 1955, page 36

Makers