Q: I just bought this ottoman at a yardsale for $25 and was hoping the AT community could help me identify when or where it was made. It is embossed / tooled leather and the only markings on the bottom are "LC" and "EH" - no date, artisan, etc. The seller didn't have any info, and the only thing I know is that it reminds me of a similar ottoman my grandparents brought back from Peru in the 1960's.
Sent by Allison
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I don't have any information but we have one of the 60's Peruvian ottomans, probably very similar to the one your grandparents brought back from Peru. And a matching table. We used to have a matching leather rocking chair too but I sold it on Craigslist. I kind of regret that.
My grandparents have this same "ottoman". I was told by my grandmother it was a suitcase. It had a handle on the side, which has started to fall off, she also stuffed it and uses it as an ottoman, different design in the tooled leather. Same package.
There is nothing to identify. These are very common all over South America, they are cool but nothing special. The artisans who make them, and there are plenty of them, usually put their initials on the bottom.
Yeah, I was thinking Peruvian. My inlaws have one of them too.
Reminds me of a Western sadle (in a good way). I'd love it with some Pendelton blankets.
Yes, looks like Mexican leather to me. Very familiar to anyone who grew up in South Texas. Someone probably got this on a trip to the border. Where are you located?
Allison here - I got it at a yardsale in Holly Springs - near Raleigh, NC.