Final batch from Ray's workshop • In 10 active carts

Frank's Handmade Fiddleback Bag

Frank's Handmade Fiddleback Bag

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Earl Pressley
Handmade by Frank Sorrell
★★★★★ 4.8 (180+)
Frank's Handmade Fiddleback Bag

Frank's Handmade Fiddleback Bag

$50.00
$50.00 $109.00
SAVE $59 Sold out

 

Twelve years ago, Frank Sorrell's wife told him to surprise her for her birthday. He's a leather man in Galax, Virginia — boots, belts, bridles. He had no idea what to make. Then he walked into the kitchen and found her fiddle case lying open on the table.

He traced around it on a piece of cardboard. That template still hangs above his workbench, and every Fiddleback bag since has been cut from it.

“I didn't design a thing. Somebody figured that shape out three hundred years ago and they got it right the first time.”

Why the shape works

  • The waist sits where your waist sits. Worn crossbody, it lands in the hollow above your hip instead of swinging against your arm.
  • The curved back lies flat. It follows your spine instead of digging a corner in.
  • Two ways to carry it. Strap clips to both sides for crossbody or shoulder. The neck at the top is a grab handle — unclip and lift it like a small case.
  • Cut and stitched, not printed. Both openings are edged by hand. Five brass rivets across the tailpiece, set where the bottom seam takes the most load.
  • Full-grain leather. Darkens at the strap and top edge over the years instead of wearing out. Solid brass hardware, no plastic clips.

What fits

About the size of a hardcover book, and deeper than it looks. Phone, wallet, reading glasses, keys, lipstick, tissues — with room to spare.

Dimensions
Approx. 11" × 7" × 3"
Strap
Adjustable, side-mounted, up to approx. 52"
Closure
Brass zip, fabric-lined interior
Pockets
One interior zip, one back slip pocket
Leather
Full-grain, natural pebbled texture
Weight
Approx. 1 lb empty
Made in
Galax, Virginia

Care

Wipe with a dry or barely damp cloth. Condition once or twice a year with a neutral leather cream. Air-dry if it gets caught in rain — never on a radiator. The darkening isn't damage; it's the leather doing what it's supposed to do.

Limited. Made one at a time in a one-man shop. Frank's lease on the Main Street building ends this fall and he isn't relocating. The leather on his shelf came from a tannery that has since closed — there's no reordering it.

Made by hand from natural full-grain leather. Colour, grain and markings vary from piece to piece — no two are identical. Dimensions approximate.
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The Last Batch

This is the final batch Frank will ever make. After a lifetime of leather goods, he's retiring for good — once these are gone, there won't be any more.

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Free US Shipping

Free shipping across the United States

- Delivery time: 3–5 business days
- Each house is hand-packed and ships from the US
- Solid natural wood — carefully boxed to arrive safe
- 30-day money-back guarantee — just email info@marlowmarketco.com

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180+ Verified Buyers

Excellent 4.8

What Frank's customers are saying

Three people asked me about it the first week. Three. I've had handbags for forty years and nobody has ever asked me about one of them. I keep telling people about the man in Virginia and the cardboard.

Verified

Jean P., Frederick, MD

I'll be honest, I bought it because it was pretty and I expected it to be impractical. It is the opposite. It sits better on my shoulder than the expensive one I stopped using. The leather is real — you can smell it the second you open the box

Verified

Diane K., Knoxville, TN

I played all the way through college and I have not touched it in thirty-one years. I ordered this on a Tuesday night without telling my husband. When it came he said 'is that a violin' and I said 'sort of.' I've carried it every day since. I don't know how to explain what it does for me.

Verified

Carol M., Roanoke, VA

Gave one to my mom for her birthday. She says it's one of the nicest gifts she's ever got.

Verified

Megan Tolliver, Knoxville, TN

Three people asked me about it the first week. Three. I've had handbags for forty years and nobody has ever asked me about one of them. I keep telling people about the man in Virginia and the cardboard.

Verified

Jean P., Frederick, MD

I'll be honest, I bought it because it was pretty and I expected it to be impractical. It is the opposite. It sits better on my shoulder than the expensive one I stopped using. The leather is real — you can smell it the second you open the box

Verified

Diane K., Knoxville, TN

I played all the way through college and I have not touched it in thirty-one years. I ordered this on a Tuesday night without telling my husband. When it came he said 'is that a violin' and I said 'sort of.' I've carried it every day since. I don't know how to explain what it does for me.

Verified

Carol M., Roanoke, VA

Gave one to my mom for her birthday. She says it's one of the nicest gifts she's ever got.

Verified

Megan Tolliver, Knoxville, TN

Three people asked me about it the first week. Three. I've had handbags for forty years and nobody has ever asked me about one of them. I keep telling people about the man in Virginia and the cardboard.

Verified

Jean P., Frederick, MD

I'll be honest, I bought it because it was pretty and I expected it to be impractical. It is the opposite. It sits better on my shoulder than the expensive one I stopped using. The leather is real — you can smell it the second you open the box

Verified

Diane K., Knoxville, TN

I played all the way through college and I have not touched it in thirty-one years. I ordered this on a Tuesday night without telling my husband. When it came he said 'is that a violin' and I said 'sort of.' I've carried it every day since. I don't know how to explain what it does for me.

Verified

Carol M., Roanoke, VA

Gave one to my mom for her birthday. She says it's one of the nicest gifts she's ever got.

Verified

Megan Tolliver, Knoxville, TN

Three people asked me about it the first week. Three. I've had handbags for forty years and nobody has ever asked me about one of them. I keep telling people about the man in Virginia and the cardboard.

Verified

Jean P., Frederick, MD

I'll be honest, I bought it because it was pretty and I expected it to be impractical. It is the opposite. It sits better on my shoulder than the expensive one I stopped using. The leather is real — you can smell it the second you open the box

Verified

Diane K., Knoxville, TN

I played all the way through college and I have not touched it in thirty-one years. I ordered this on a Tuesday night without telling my husband. When it came he said 'is that a violin' and I said 'sort of.' I've carried it every day since. I don't know how to explain what it does for me.

Verified

Carol M., Roanoke, VA

Gave one to my mom for her birthday. She says it's one of the nicest gifts she's ever got.

Verified

Megan Tolliver, Knoxville, TN

Frequently Asked Questions

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Got a question? Here’s how to reach us.

Email us anytime at info@marlowmarketco.com. We answer Monday–Friday 9am–5pm and Saturday 10am–3pm (ET). Whether it’s about your order, hanging tips, or just to say hello — a real person writes back.

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Can I return it if it’s not for me?

Of course. 30-day money-back guarantee. Place it in different spots around the house and if it still just isn't for you, email info@marlowmarketco.com within 30 days for a full refund. No questions, and US shipping is free.

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How is it made?

Each bag is made by hand from natural full-grain leather. Colour, grain and markings vary from piece to piece

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    Hand-finished by Frank