Crocodile Leather Flask Appraisal

Vintage Silverplate and Crocodile Leather Hip Flask with Sight Glass

This is a mid-20th-century vintage hip flask, characterized by a dual-material construction and a functional 'sight glass' window. The upper two-thirds of the flask is encased in a rich, honey-brown genuine crocodile or alligator leather wrap, showing a distinct large-scale scale pattern typical of belly skin. The leather features a vertical oval cut-out, known as a sight glass, which allows the user to see the dark glass interior and monitor the liquid level. The bottom third of the flask consists of a removable silver-plated or polished stainless steel drinking cup, which fits snugly over the base with a friction fit. The metal components show significant patina, fine surface scratching, and some tarnishing, particularly visible on the lower cup and the threaded cap hardware. The cap is a bayonet-style or screw-down hinge mechanism, designed for security and ease of use. The overall condition indicates regular use, with some darkening and slight peeling of the leather edges near the shoulder, and accumulated grime in the metal crevices. This style of luxury flask was popularized in the 1930s through the 1950s by high-end retailers like Dunhill or Swaine Adeney Brigg.