Leather Elephant Stool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch, c 1963, Signed

A wonderful collectors example of an original leather elephant footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch, circa 1963. This example is signed with the circle 'A&F CO' embossed stamp under one ear, has the early nail heads under its feet, and is covered in beautifully aged and patinated gorgeous brown leather. Ideal collectors example or for an interior designer wanting the perfect finishing touch. 

Omersa started producing the Elephant in 1959 and was the first new design after the Pig which had been in production for over 30 years at that point. This example is one of the early 1960s ones produced for Abercrombie & Fitch per the embossed A&F stamped ear.

Some creative ways to use an Omersa is as an ottoman next to a coffee table, a designer footstool for a reading chair or something to rest your elbow while sitting in your favorite lounge chair, on a credenza, sideboard, bookshelf or mantle as a tabletop sculpture, on the floor as a floor sculpture or as a friendly companion for an otherwise lonely house dog or cat, or by the front door as a greeter to your guests and when you return home after a long day. They are made with an inner steel frame so they can withstand a good amount of weight. Adults can sit on the larger ones and kids can sit on most of the smaller ones. We think it's great to name your Omersa, as many Omersa owners do, and we also believe every home needs at least one Omersa.

Omersa's have so much personality and character - each one was hand made of the highest quality leather, beautifully stained and waxed, this one approximately 50 to 60 years ago, and each of the years this one has lived has developed its own stories to tell through its gorgeous patina, it's no wonder most Omersa owners have developed personal relationship with theirs - not too much different than a house pet. We love our personal Omersa's that we keep at home, they always make us smile. A client of ours got one after his dog had passed, he said he wasn't ready yet for another - so an Omersa became the perfect friend at a time in need.

From 1927 though 1950 leather pigs using scrap leather from hand made luggage were made by "Old Bill" for the department store Liberty of London. Around 1958 the business was transferred to Dimitri Omersa when Old Bill retired, and it was at this time that Dimitri came up with the ideas for other leather animals. Around 1963 Dimitri's leather animals caught the eye of Abercrombie and Fitch, at that time purveyor to the fantasies of the rich and famous. The animals were advertised in the A&F catalog from the mid 1960’s through to the late 1980’s.

This leather elephant is an excellent early production Abercrombie and Fitch original of this design with lots of light age and patina, signed with early Abercrombie and Fitch logo, making this example ideal for a collector or interior designer with a love for aged leather.

As you can see in our photos, we have a large collection of Omersa leather animals. Some examples include kangaroos, bears, bulls, lions, hippopotamus', pigs, horses and donkeys, ducks, and much more. And we have stock in various sizes for many of the animals, such as 4 different sizes of the rhinos.

This Omersa leather lion foot stool would work great in a Postmodern, Mid-Century Modern, Farmhouse, Scandinavian Modern or Danish modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a contemporary or Zen / Minimalism room. Also consider mixing it up in a traditional, transitional, classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office.

MEASUREMENTS:
20" long, 16" tall, 11" wide

CONDITION:
Very good vintage condition with light patina. Overall this is an excellent early example ideal for collectors, much nicer condition than most early examples that you will find. No noticeable repairs, no damage other than expected patina and some light craquelure. Very attractive and presentable, ready to be loved and enjoyed immediately.