Meeker Made Art Deco Steerhide Tooled Frame Bag
Frame Bag / Top Handle Satchel · Meeker Made (The Meeker Company), an American heritage brand established in 1908 by Claude Meeker. Renowned for high-quality leather goods during the early-to-mid 20th century.
Collection: Tooled Leather Art Deco Line; permanent collection during the 1920s-1930s era.
Style
Frame Bag / Top Handle Satchel
Brand
Meeker Made (The Meeker Company), an American heritage brand established in 1908 by Claude Meeker. Renowned for high-quality leather goods during the early-to-mid 20th century.
Material
Hand-tooled genuine steerhide leather. The construction utilizes flat-lay leather panels with whipstitched (laced) edges, a characteristic of American Western and Arts & Crafts leather work.
Dimensions
Width: 8 inches (20cm), Height: 6.5 inches (16.5cm), Depth: 2.5 inches (6cm), Strap Drop: 5 inches (12.7cm). Small to Medium size.
Description
This Meeker Made satchel is a quintessential example of American Art Deco craftsmanship. The bag features a structured trapezoidal body rendered in rich, hand-tooled steerhide. The central panel is adorned with a stylized floral 'Egyptian Revival' and geometric carving, framed by hand-laced leather edges. The crowning jewel is the enameled metal frame, which showcases the bold symmetry and contrast colors synonymous with the 1930s aesthetic.
Key Features
Hand-whipstitched lacing, Art Deco enameled clasp, tooled floral central panel, and 'Meeker Made' heritage branding.
Material & Construction
Hand-tooled genuine steerhide leather. The construction utilizes flat-lay leather panels with whipstitched (laced) edges, a characteristic of American Western and Arts & Crafts leather work.
Color & Pattern
Hand-burnished saddle tan/chestnut gradient with a tooled Art Deco floral and geometric motif. Features ombre/sunburst dye effects common in high-end tooled leather of the period.
Hardware Details
Art Deco enameled metal frame and lift-clasp. Features black and gold geometric enamel work on the clasp and top frame bar, likely brass-based with cold-painted enamel.
Interior Description
Typically lined in tonal suede or moiré silk; includes a small slip pocket for a mirror or coin purse. Internal 'Meeker Made' gold foil heat stamp or embossed leather logo.
Closure Type
Lift-lock or turn-style decorative Art Deco clasp on a rigid metal frame.
Strap & Handle Details
Single flat leather top handle with matching whipstitched edge reinforcement, attached via metal D-rings to the frame.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional hand-tooling with deep impressions; tight, consistent whipstitching; frame alignment is precise with a heavy, satisfying mechanical click upon closing.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Meeker Made' stamp (if present inside), the quality of the hand-lacing (consistent spacing), the weight of the steerhide, and the specific geometric style of the enameled metalwork.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the USA, Joplin, Missouri. Manufactured by The Meeker Company in their specialized leather atelier.
Era & Period
Art Deco Era (late 1920s to early 1930s). Stylistic indicators include the geometric sunrise/fan motifs and the machine-age influence on the clasp design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1928-1934 based on the specific clasp geometry and the popularity of tooled steerhide during the Arts & Crafts movement crossover.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American interpretation of the Art Deco movement, blending rugged Western leather techniques with refined European-influenced decorative arts.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible drying and cracking along the top handle; significant edge wear and loss of lacing at the bottom corners. Scuffing and surface patina consistent with 90+ years of age. Hardware shows slight enamel chipping.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is driven by the condition of the enamel and the integrity of the leather lacing.
Care & Maintenance
Requires specialist leather balm (Bick 4) to hydrate without darkening; avoid modern aerosol cleaners. Store in a PH-neutral dust bag away from heat sources to prevent further leather cracking.
Similar Handbags
Justin Leather tooled bags (more Western-style), Cordova leather goods (similar lacing), or Koret Art Deco bags (usually fabric or smooth leather).
Interesting Facts
Meeker was one of the largest manufacturers of fine leather goods in the Midwest and was famous for their 'Millie Meeker' line and high-quality men's billfolds before the mid-century shift.
Notes
Meeker