Hi Taylor,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Merlet was a Parisian leather-goods maker or retailer based at 3 Faubourg Saint-Honoré, a prime Paris address for luxury leather goods and fashion. I could not find detailed historical records of a large fashion house or major brand named Merlet with significant coverage in online fashion histories or brand encyclopedias.

This strongly implies Merlet was a smaller boutique, atelier, or leather artisan whose output was notable enough to be signed on the product itself, and whose existence was tied to that prestigious Paris address.

The style of this black crocodile bag is classic 1940s, which has been - and continues to be - a highly desirable period among collectors.

Other circa 1940s black crocodile bags of this style but without the Merlet imprint have been selling on the secondary market for between $400 and $600; note that retailers for a comparable bag would likely ask a higher price, and bags attributed to blue-chip designers will also be selling for a higher price.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Merlet women's black crocodile embossed patent leather shoulder bag
French, circa 1940s
Single loop strap, divided interior with zip pocket, lined, gold-toned clasp.
3 inches high by 11 inches width by 9 inches deep
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Acquired at auction
$400-600*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia