A good pair of early 20th-century despatch-type leather shoulder bags, dating to circa 1900–1920.
Each is constructed from heavy brown leather with a rounded body, shaped overlapping flap and long adjustable shoulder strap. The flaps are secured by narrow leather straps and metal buckles, with further leather and metal fittings to the reverse.
Both bags have developed a good surface through prolonged use, with heavy creasing, rubbing, staining and variations in colour across the leather. The grain is particularly pronounced and gives them a strong, almost textured appearance.
The interiors remain largely untouched, with the same wear and darkening expected from practical working objects of this type.
The flat nature of the pieces suggest use for paper of documents such as in despatch pouches.
