Location December 1959:

Lona Handbags
Lou Nathan Inc.
136 Madison Ave.
New York

Lona Handbags was founded in 1959 by Lou Nathan, a longtime designer and bag maker since early days in Germany.

Large travel bags priced over $25 inhabited a full page feature in the December 1959 Handbags & Accessories, page 46.

Have Large Roomy Bag Can Travel

"A bag that travels must be large and roomy with many pockets both inside and out. All types of leathers are being shown for resort and travel wear. Styling leans toward the tailored look and colors know no bounds. The shoulder strap is back!"

EXTRA LARGE travel bag, a compact capacious satchel by Lona Handbags, 136 Madison Ave. Featured are two openings, one outside the other concealed under the top frame. Both are roomy.

The 1960s

Location June 1961

Lesco Lona
136 Madison Ave.
New York 16, N.Y.

The merger of Lesco and Lona to form Lesco Lona is heralded in this full page ad on page 2 of "Handbags & Accessories" June 1961.

The trade news article on page 52 of the June issue further elaborates on the merger.

Lesco and Lona Merger For More Solid Contribution

"Two leading handbag manufacturers, Lesco Ltd., and Lona have merged to manufacture now under the name of Lesco Lona, with executive offices and showroom at 136 Madison Avenue, New York. First signs of the new concept of this combination in handbag merchandising may be viewed at the firm's first showing, June 5.
Lou Nathan, formerly president of Lona, a company he founded some two years ago, will act as secretary and treasurer of the new firm. Mr. Nathan has been associated with the handbag and leather industry going back to early school days in Offenbach, Germany, and later as top handbag designer for leading firms in the United States.

OFFICERS of the newly formed company Lesco Lona, a merger of the former Lesco, Ltd., and Lona Handbags. Leo Sternberg, center, is president. Lou Nathan, right, is secretary-treasurer; and Bernard Sternberg, standing, is vice president in charge of sales.

Makers