Vintage Mexican Tooled Leather Handbag Eagle Aztec Calendar Mont-Abur

This is a substantial vintage Mexican leather handbag, most likely dating to the 1960s or 1970s, featuring elaborate embossed and tooled decoration inspired by traditional Mexican imagery. Although unmarked, identical examples have been found bearing a Mont-Abur Mexico label, suggesting that this handbag was produced by the same manufacturer.

Made from sturdy, medium brown leather, the handbag has a structured rectangular shape with rounded corners, a broad flat base and two long, rolled leather carrying handles. The front and back panels are decorated with deeply embossed designs, framed by geometric borders inspired by traditional Mexican motifs.

The front features a large circular medallion depicting an eagle with outstretched wings holding a serpent in its beak and talons, an image associated with the founding legend of Tenochtitlan and the national emblem of Mexico. The eagle is surrounded by a desert landscape incorporating prickly pear cactus on one side and a tall saguaro-style cactus on the other.

The reverse features a large circular representation of the Aztec Sun Stone, often referred to as the Aztec calendar, with its elaborate concentric bands of symbolic figures and geometric designs. This central medallion is flanked by additional cactus motifs, while a repeating geometric border frames the entire decorative panel.

A wide leather tab extends over the top of the handbag, decorated with an image of an Aztec warrior and fitted with a rectangular brass-tone frame that fits onto a brass plaque with a turn clasp. The rolled leather handles are securely attached to the upper edges of the bag.

The interior is finished in brown leather and features a spacious main compartment with an additional full-length zippered centre compartment, dividing the interior into separate sections. There are also zippered pockets along the interior walls, providing further storage. The broad gusseted sides allow the handbag to open widely, while the substantial rectangular base is fitted with four brass-tone protective feet and features an embossed basketweave pattern.

The handbag is unmarked, although identical examples have been documented with a Mont-Abur Mexico label.

Measurements: 13 3/4" wide × 4" deep across the underside × 10" high, excluding handles; handle drop 6".

Condition: This handbag is in very good condition, showing only slight signs of use, including minor surface scuffs and light wear to the leather and metal fittings.

This is an attractive and substantial example of Mexican leatherwork, combining traditional embossed decoration with a practical, structured design and spacious compartmentalised interior.