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Location July 1954: Exclusive Retail Representative: Factory: A search of Design Patents reveals an unexpected possible connection between Will Hardy, a famous designer for Wilardy Wilardy and Ranhill. Design patent D163037 for the Double Decker design was issued to Will Hardy April 24,1951. Wilardy produced the Bakelite and Lucite versions of this bag. Ranhill made an acetate version shown below as Item 2000. The hinge and handle hardware are slightly different, leading to a question of patent infringement for this design. Or was there an arrangement to allow the lower priced production of this acetate rendition? July 1954 Handbags & Accessories, page 27  Style #3000, The Chatterbox, was designed by Frank Neglia, who received Design patent 170,332 for its particulars in 1953. This beautifully sculpted example of The Beachcomber, style 8000 is acetate, not Lucite, although it is often mistakenly sold as Lucite as in this case. The bag measures 7.5 x 5 x 7.5". Priced at $450 and available from Bakelite Boutique   My guess is this clear acetate with glitter is the Stardust color option. The bag was sold at Bag Lady Emporium 990807: Outstanding collector’s bag, this Ranhill glitter embedded ACETATE 2-tray bag is a rare find. The two compartments open when the "S" curved latch is pulled forward, permitting the upper section to slide backward and the lid to open (see detail.) Excellent condition with no cracks or significant metal wear. Measures 5 1/2 x 4 3/4 x 3 1/8". It sold for $255 in 2000 at Bag Lady Emporium This cream color example of The Double Decker, style #2000, sold for $140 in 2006 at Bag Lady Emporium  990604: Another very desirable collectors bag, this Cream color two-tray Molded Acetate bag is an excellent example of those rare type. The Serpentine strip latch flips forward to open.As you can see in the detail pictures, the lid mirror is missing, but the adhesive lingers on.Identical save for color to a bag in the Archives. The color and texture of the acetate is reminiscent of the old celluloid called French ivory. One small edge crack on the front corner of the lower tray, a slight distortion of the lid and metal fitting wear, especially on the interior hinge.Less than perfect but still a find! Measures 5 5/8 x 4 3/4 x 3 1/8 inches. Categories: Makers |
