VINTAGE Classic Croc-Embossed Top-Handle Bag in Dark Brown EUC

This is a vintage handbag from The May Co. California, a prominent department store chain that operated in Southern California for over a century.  The gold-stamped text, "MADE IN FRANCE EXPRESSLY FOR The May Co. CALIFORNIA," indicates this piece was part of an exclusive imported line commissioned by the retailer, a common practice for high-end department stores during the mid-20th century (approximately the 1940s–1960s).  Retailer History: The May Co. California was established in Los Angeles in 1923 after acquiring the existing Hamburger & Sons store. It became a cultural landmark, especially its iconic Wilshire Boulevard building. Production Era: Labels with "Expressly for The May Co. California" typically date from the 1940s to the 1960s. Material: Based on the visible texture and similar luxury vintage bags from this era, the exterior appears to be genuine alligator or crocodile skin.