Two mysterious Serapian-made velvet handbags — possible Grimaldi commission?

[lyes13008]

Hello everyone,

I am researching two unusual vintage velvet handbags and would be grateful for any help with their dating and historical context.

One bag is labelled Serapian Milano. The second is labelled Arcante Paris, but also carries a Serapian medallion.

Serapian has confirmed that both handbags were made by them. Unfortunately, their surviving archives for this period are incomplete, so they cannot identify the original client, date, occasion, or purpose of the commission.

The two bags are different models, but they share the same distinctive red velvet textile with a central heraldic motif that appears to be based on the Grimaldi arms of Monaco.

I have also found period photographs of Princess Grace of Monaco carrying another handbag with what appears to be the same textile motif. Her bag has a different shape, frame, and clasp, so I am not suggesting that either of my bags is the exact one shown in the photographs. However, the similarity suggests that several models may have been produced using the same specially designed fabric.

I am hoping members may be able to help with:

• dating the construction, frame, clasp, and hardware;
• identifying the type or possible origin of the velvet;
• understanding the relationship between Serapian and Arcante Paris;
• determining whether these may have been part of a private commission, a limited series, or a Monaco-related order;
• locating another example, catalogue, advertisement, or period photograph.

I have detailed photographs of both bags from every angle, including the interiors, labels, medallion, frames, clasps, hardware, and close-ups of the textile, as well as the photographs of Princess Grace carrying the related bag.
I am interested in their history rather than their value. Any lead or technical observation would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Clarenone]

Hello everyone,

I am researching two unusual vintage velvet handbags and would be grateful for any help with their dating and historical context.

One bag is labelled Serapian Milano. The second is labelled Arcante Paris, but also carries a Serapian medallion.

Serapian has confirmed that both handbags were made by them. Unfortunately, their surviving archives for this period are incomplete, so they cannot identify the original client, date, occasion, or purpose of the commission.

The two bags are different models, but they share the same distinctive red velvet textile with a central heraldic motif that appears to be based on the Grimaldi arms of Monaco.

I have also found period photographs of Princess Grace of Monaco carrying another handbag with what appears to be the same textile motif. Her bag has a different shape, frame, and clasp, so I am not suggesting that either of my bags is the exact one shown in the photographs. However, the similarity suggests that several models may have been produced using the same specially designed fabric.
geometry dash
I am hoping members may be able to help with:

• dating the construction, frame, clasp, and hardware;
• identifying the type or possible origin of the velvet;
• understanding the relationship between Serapian and Arcante Paris;
• determining whether these may have been part of a private commission, a limited series, or a Monaco-related order;
• locating another example, catalogue, advertisement, or period photograph.

I have detailed photographs of both bags from every angle, including the interiors, labels, medallion, frames, clasps, hardware, and close-ups of the textile, as well as the photographs of Princess Grace carrying the related bag.
I am interested in their history rather than their value. Any lead or technical observation would be greatly appreciated.

If another Serapian or Arcante bag with that heraldic velvet turns up in a catalog or collection, it could help narrow down whether this was a special commission or a small production run.