2 Red leather Pouch style purses
2 Red leather Pouch style purses with brass framing along the opening and an embossed Egyptian motif across the top. The clasp, with two royal lions and a center ring is the same on both sides of the purses. The red leather handles, with slight differences, are looped and meant to be carried on the wrist. After King Tut’s Tomb was discovered in 1923 Egyptian motifs became very popular in clothing, jewelry, advertising and all aspects of life. DATE: Circa 1925.
a. 2-1/2” wide brass frame across the top is embossed with 2 Egyptian dogs or perhaps cats. Both animals were revered and in early carvings and murals they often looked so similar that it can be hard to distinguish between them. Purse is lined in purple taffeta w/a small taffeta pouch and covered mirror attached to the inside. Label reads, “Warranted crushed leather.” 6-1/2’ at its widest and 6-3/4” long.
b. The purse has a 2” neck embellished with a rectangular brass filigree motif. It is lined in pink taffeta with a round attached mirror and small pouch. 6” at its widest and 6-1/2” from top of neck to bottom edge.
2 brass plated metal purse Frames
Purse - 2 brass plated metal purse Frames with plunger closures, front center wreaths and chain handles. Purse Frame, wreath and chain handle embellished with small round flowers. 2 swans connect the chain to the frame. Frame 7” wide, 6-1/2” drop down chain.
Purse Frame and plunger in a floral motif. Frame 4-1/2” wide, 6” drop down chain.
2 hand tooled Arts and Crafts leather purses
2 hand tooled Arts and Crafts leather purses.
a. Leather bag, front has calla lilies reaching upward in a symmetrical design with a textured back. Frame looks brass plated highlighted with floral design that is repeated on the Turnloc clasp. The flip open top of the clasp is attached to a piece tan celluloid. Inside of bag is lined in green suede with 3 pockets and include a small mirror with a leather backing. The bag has a leather lacing. There is a stamped label on the inside but it is difficult to read, however the inside of the frame has 3 patent dates - Oct. 5, 1915, May 15, 1917 and July 23, 1918 which are the patent dates found on all Jemco leather bags. Chain handle not original to the bag. 8-3/4” x 7-1/4.” DATED: After 1915.
b. Leather bag with both a floral and geometric symmetrical design on the front and back. Purse has decorative flaps on the front. Frame is caramel and brown celluloid with a clear caramel hinged closure that flips down over the top.The back has a looped strap for sliding the hand through to hold. Bag has leather lacing. Lining is green suede lwith two pockets. The celluloid along the left side of the frame has split and a section is missing. I have included it in the collection because it is an unusual combination of materials and clasp. 8” x 6-3/4.” DATE: Mid teens to mid 1920s.
2 Large whimsical wicker purses decorated
2 Large whimsical wicker purses decorated with 3 dimensional objects. DATE: Late 1950s into 60s.
a. Black wicker covered with vegetables, bright orange carrots and white asparagus in a velvety fabric. Purse closes with an elastic loop that slips over a wood button. Lining is black. 12” wide at the bottom, 7” high and 5-1/2” deep at the bottom edge with a rigid 7-1/2” handle.
b. White wicker sea life diorama includes an orange raffia lobster and a crab with gold bands and pearl eyes; there are sea shells, water plants and netting . Gold painted woven trim. Purse opens from the center and closes with a rope loop that slips over a white wood button. White lining with “Made in Japan” label. 9” x 7-1/2 x 5-1/2” with 2 flexible handles 5-1/2.”
2 Leather clutch bags machine tooled in a swirly symmetrical pa
2 Leather clutch bags machine tooled in a swirly symmetrical pattern and partially painted. The metal frames are covered in the leather. Bags have a coin purse with a kiss lock closure that is attached to a bar at the hinge allowing it to move back and forth. There is a back loop strap for holding with the back of your hand.
a. Carmel brown leather bag with areas of randomly placed colors in shades of brown, blue, rose and mustard and a large center series of swirls that form a circle at the center of the front. Back identical tooling, no color. The lining is beige and there is an inside pocket. There is a kiss lock closure. Bag 6-3/4” wide at the base 5-1/4” long.
American Reticule 3 sectional beaded Bag with floral motif
American Reticule 3 sectional beaded Bag with floral motif. Silk plaid header in shades of rose and green with a green silk ribbon drawstring. Center section with large roses, blue flowers and green leaves against a gray background.Third section has tiny flowers and designs in white, green and light blue with a line of tan. Black beads along the three sides bottom edge. 5-1/2” x 6-1/2.” DATE: Around 1840 to 1875.
Bead Alumesh Bags
Alumesh is metal enameled aluminum beads that interlock into each other, also referred to as beadlite enamel, for its raised center resembling a bead. Inside pocket with labels read, “Alumesh Bags, Made in U.S.A. Pat. 78,124.” Patent was granted March 26, 1929 by U.S. Patents and Trademarks online. DATE: 1930s.
A large size alumesh “bead” with 2 alumesh handles and a zippered closure. Dark brown silk like lining. 6-1/2” x 11.”
Beaded Bag
Medium size beads in a modernistic design with both geometric shapes and swirls in bright pink, yellowish green and aqua with black outlining. It has a fabric handle covered with the pink and aqua beads. Little remains of the original black linen lining. 6-1/2” across the center and 6-1/4” long.
Beaded bag of ecru crocheting and cobalt blue beads
Beaded bag of ecru crocheting and cobalt blue beads. The vertical striped design has beads in rows that graduate in size from a single bead to a row of 8 to 10 beads at the bottom. As the beads widens so does the shape of the bag. Very ornate oxidized metal frame in a floral motif embellished with two blue and a larger green stone. Bag has a ball and socket closure with a white and blue enameled flower around the socket. There is a metal chain.The dusty rose frayed silk lining has a ribbon of tiny pink flowers along the top edges and looks original. Bag 7” wide at the bottom and 7” long from the top of frame down.
Beaded bag, backing cream chamois
Beaded bag, backing cream chamois, with rows of overlapping clear looped beads 3/4” long. The ornate oxidized metal frame is embellished with small blue and green stones, two red squares and a snap closure with a large green dome shape celluloid “stone.” There is a metal chain. Newer lining. Bag 6-1/2” x 7.”
Beaded bag, gray glass beads are the background
Beaded bag, gray glass beads are the background for a bird of paradise peacock with a sweeping tail in vivid green, goldenrod yellow, deep blue, red and gold. The colors are repeated in the trim. The bag has van amber bakelite frame, kiss closure and chain. The lining is cream chamois leather. It is 8” long from top of frame to bottom plus a 2” looped fringe of the gray glass beads and touches of the green and red. Bag 6-3/4” x 7-1/2” from the bottom of the frame to the 2-1/2” looped fringe.
Beaded bag, tiny white and clear bugle shaped beads
Beaded bag, tiny white and clear bugle shaped beads in a asymmetrical floral motif. It has a metal frame in a brass like finish with an embossed leaf pattern, a kiss lock closure and a chain handle. Bag 7” x 9-1/2” plus 2-3/4” looped fringe in alternating white and clear beads.
Beaded evening bag of tiny round black beads
Beaded evening bag of tiny round black beads with overall design of 3 leaf clovers outlined with bugle style beads. Back of bag has just 3 larger clovers in the center. Beaded metal frame and handle, kiss lock closure, black silk lining with pocket and label “Magid, Made in Japan.” The New York company was originally A.I. Magid Co., and became Magid Handbags around 1938. DATE: Difficult to say, probably 1950s or 60s.
Beaded Wrist Bag
Beaded wrist bag in a floral motif with a high neck frame, 2-1/2” from top of ball and socket closure to the base. Background beads a very dark blueish purple with bright rose, pink and light green and black outlining. It is lined in a metallic brown fabric, looks original. 5” x 7” includes frame.
Black crocheted and beaded bag over black fabric lining
Black crocheted and beaded bag over black fabric lining. The open work crocheted pattern creates 3 vertical stripes. The beads are sewed on top of the crocheting, with the open work exposing some of the fabric. The metal frame has an embossed water motif that includes a boat, ducks and lighthouse with flowers along the sides, a kiss lock closure and chain handle. The bag has easy movement because the crocheting and beading is only attached to the fabric along the edges. 5” x 8” plus 3/4” looped fringe.
Black Lucite Purse
Lucite is the brand name for the polyacrylic material Dupont patented in 1931. It was popular with fashion designers because it could be easily molded and sculpted, enabling them to make purses in unusual and fun shapes. DATED: 1950s.
Black Lucite purse with a cylindrical body and a raised transparent lid carved with squares and rectangles. It has a clear Lucite handle, a black Lucite snap on closure and 4 round feet. The top of the inside hinge says, “Toro, Dist NYC.”
Bag 8’ x 4-3/4” x 4.”
Black micro-beaded and lucite purse in a half moon shape
Black micro-beaded and lucite purse in a half moon shape. The body of the bag is beaded, including the double braided handle, the lid and 1” edging along the top of the purse are lucite in a pearlized maple wood grain. The stationary decorative bar on the lid snaps over the purse to close. Black silk lining with pocket and half moon mirror on the inside of the lid. Purse 8-1/2” x 5-3/4” x 3-3/4” at its deepest. DATE: 1950s.
Black satin Reticule
Black satin Reticule with narrow piece of black satin ribbon on each side that are connected with a large grosgrain ribbon bow for carrying. There are 7 crocheted rings in a circular pattern on the front and a 2” stiffened circle on the back. 5” at its widest x 5-1/4.” DATE: 1890s.
Black Silk Bag
Black silk bag, front embroidered is soft hues of pink, magenta, blue and green. The colors are repeated in the enameled flowers on the gold tone frame, the frame is also embellished with an intricate design of micro gold and white beads. The beads also cover the flip up teardrop pendant clasp. The backside of the pendant has a line of the white beads. The silk lining is a soft gold with 2 pockets and a “Made in France” label. It is 9” at its widest x 6” with a 4” drop down chain handle.
Black Silk Bag With Handle
Black silk bag and handle, front and back embroidered in soft hues of pink, magenta, coral, yellow and varying shades of green. The top of the gold tone frame is embellished with small stones, in the center is a hinged carbuncle cabochon circled with smaller stones clasp. Self fabric lining with pockets and attached coin purse. Although there is no label all comparable bags I have seen have been made in France. 10-1/2” at it widest and 7-1/2” from bottom to top of frame and 7” drop down handle.
Blue beaded American Reticule Bag
Blue beaded American Reticule Bag with gray silk crocheted header and 10 attached metal rings to accommodate the narrow corded drawstring. Drawstring has faux mother of pearl on each end for pulling. Beaded in a floral motif in black, red, green, gold and yellow. Blue beaded tassel. Bag 7” x 10-1/2.” DATE: Around 1840 to 1875.
Brown suede six sided Reticule Purse in an hour glass shape
Brown suede six sided Reticule Purse in an hour glass shape with a small outer snap coin purse on each side. All edges of both are beaded in clear and black glass beads with a decorative diamond pattern and a 2-1/2” looped fringe in clear glass beads. 2 metal eyelets along the top for drawstring. 9-1/2 long without fringe. DATE: Edwardian Period, early 1900s.
2010.61.7a Red leather Pouch style purses with brass framing along the opening and an embossed Egyptian motif across the top. The clasp, with two royal lions and a center ring is the same on both sides of the purses. The red leather handles, with slight differences, are looped and meant to be carried on the wrist. After King Tut’s Tomb was discovered in 1923 Egyptian motifs became very popular in clothing, jewelry, advertising and all aspects of life. DATE: Circa 1925.
2-1/2” wide brass frame across the top is embossed with 2 Egyptian dogs or perhaps cats. Both animals were revered and in early carvings and murals they often looked so similar that it can be hard to distinguish between them. Purse is lined in purple taffeta w/a small taffeta pouch and covered mirror attached to the inside. Label reads, “Warranted crushed leather.” 6-1/2’ at its widest and 6-3/4” long.
Carpet design beaded bag
Carpet design beaded bag. The symmetrical bag has borders in black, gold, brown and green and a vibrant red design with blue and brown accent beads and a bold pattern in black and gold. There is a small green 4 leaf clover at the center. It has a metal frame with an embossed diamond pattern, a kiss lock closure and and chain handle. Bag is 7-1/2” x 8-3/4” plus a 2-1/2” fringe.
Caviar Beaded Bag
Caviar Beaded Bag in bright shiny white, yellow, green, blue and red plastic beads on a navy fabric. The bag’s flat bottom is covered with the beads. A soft pleat on each side of the center in the front and back angles down to the bottom giving the purse added fullness. A gold tone charm of an elephant hangs from a ring on the zipper. I have not seen a charm on any other Lumured bag so don’t know if it is original. Stamped “Lumured, Made in USA on the lining. 9-1/2” x 6-1/2” and 3” deep at bottom edge.
Cobalt blue beaded bag
Cobalt blue beaded bag and , the top of the bag has a multi-colored abstract design that includes red, orange, black, yellow and brown, while the bottom is covered with 4-1/2 inches of looped cobalt fringe over black netting covered with swirls of the cobalt beads. The bag is lined in an iridescent blueish green with a pocket and gold ribbon trim. It has a brown and clear celluloid frame and a plunger closure. 9-3/4” from top of frame to bottom of fringe.
Coin Purse crocheted in deep red and embellished
Coin Purse crocheted in deep red and embellished with tiny silver beads in a diamond pattern and a sunburst center. Metal frame along the top with a kiss closure. Back same as the front. 2-1/2” at its widest x 2-3/4.” DATE: Early 1900s.
Coin Purse, round metal purse
Coin Purse, round metal purse, lid and bottom covered with black leather. The front is probably brass plated with a repousse portrait of an Art Nouveau woman with a bow at her shoulder. Inside is accordion folded in a burgundy fabric, the outside edges of the two pockets have a metal frame along the top to accommodate a tiny metal closure. A larger closure in the same style is used on the outside of the case. DATE: 1890s.
Damask black on black clutch bag
Damask black on black clutch bag made in an hourglass shape, folds in half with a silk 1” ruffle along the top opening and embellished with a large satiny iridescent pink and magenta rose, green leaves and translucent beads. Lining fabric same as ruffle. The bag was probably handmade. DATE: 1920s.
Dresden Mesh Bag
Dresden Mesh Bags, also referred to as baby mesh, made of hundreds of tiny links. Their hazy graphics create a dreamy appearance much like one of Monet’s painting. DATE: Late 1920s through the 1930s.
Mesh Bag in a muted yellowish green and deep green with burgundy accents and a Vandyke bottom. It has a gold tone metal frame, ball and socket closure with a small black stone set in the ball and chain. 5-1/2” x 5-1/4.” DATE: 1920s.
Dresden Mesh Bag
Dresden Mesh Bags, also referred to as baby mesh, made of hundreds of tiny links. Their hazy graphics create a dreamy appearance much like one of Monet’s painting. DATE: Late 1920s through the 1930s.
Whiting and Davis Bag in muted shades of rose, green and brown against a background of Gold tone metal frame, kiss closure, and chain made of a series of attached figure 8s. The original metal hang tag attached on the inside of the frame, “Whiting and Davis Mesh Bag, Reg. US and Can.” 3” x 5.” DATE: 1920s.
Elegant white beaded evening bag
Elegant white beaded evening bag made up of 2 types of white glass beads, milky white seed beads and more translucent white beads. The bag has a swirly design with a series of raised diamonds in the center. The entire top of the gold tone frame is embellished with a pattern of twisted beads and 3 faceted porcelain discs, one on each end of the frame and one covering the fold-over clasp. Each painted in the Fragonard romance themes in shades of rose, blue, yellow, green, brown and red. The bag has a 4-1/2” drop down snake gold tone metal chain. Lining is cream silk, has a pocket, a small change purse with a kiss lock closure and a comb in a cream leather envelope with a rhinestone snap closure. The label reads, “Made in France by Hand, Walborg.” Bag is 8” x 5-3/4.” DATE: 1950s and 60s.
Enameled mesh bag
Enameled mesh bag in geometric shapes. Most of the front is bright yellow, with 3 diamond like shapes that very much resemble a face. It has as many as 10 different colors and several different designs with a Vandyke bottom. The frame is gold tone metal with a kiss closure. The yellow lining is original. On the inside of the frame along one side is stamped “Whiting and Davis, Mesh Bags. DATE: 1920s and 30s.
Envelope Lucite Purse
Lucite Purses. Lucite is the brand name for the polyacrylic material Dupont patented in 1931. It was popular with fashion designers because it could be easily moulded and sculpted, enabling them to make purses in unusual and fun shapes. DATED: 1950s.
Envelope style clutch bag in tortoise lucite with transparent lucite sides. When held upright the sides show a tear drop shape. It has a hinged flap with a scalloped edge. There are no marks but the same exact bag in a different color was embossed,” Wilardy Originals.” Wilardy Handbags were marked with embossed lettering or paper labels and if it had a paper label it is unlikely it would have survive the years. Wilardy Originals are considered the most collectible of all the acrylic purses. Founded in New York City in 1946, the family-run Wilardy company continued designing and manufacturing Lucite purses until 1979. Bag 8-1/4” X 3-1/2” X 2-1/2” at its deepest.
Genuine Chimayo Purse, All Wool Hand Loomed, burgundy envelop
“Genuine Chimayo Purse, All Wool Hand Loomed,” burgundy envelope clutch purse in geometric pattern of gray, white, blue and black. Purse has back strap for sliding back of hand through for holding. It has a zipper as well as a snap closure with a silver triangular front piece with a hand tooled eagle. Burgundy lining with a pocket. In original box, never used. Chimayo, about 25 miles north of Santa Fe, New Meixco is where the bags were typically bought. However, when the collector was in high school in the early 1950s on Chicago’s southwest side, getting a new Chimayo purse at the beginning of every school year was quite an event. Only one store sold them and It sometimes took several visits to look at all the choices before deciding which was the right one for you. They sold for around $3 which was a lot of money for some of us. 9-1/2” x 5-1/2.” DATE: 1940s and 1950s.
Gray leather Reticule Purse closes
Gray leather Reticule Purse closes with leather drawstring. Beaded design in the front, along the sides and fringe. Small glass beads in white, green and red as well as larger round white ones. 5” at its widest and 8” long excluding fringe.
Hand stitched lavender satin Bag in a pentagon shape
Hand stitched lavender satin Bag in a pentagon shape. There is a hand painted picture on the front, positioned near the bottom, of a face covered with strands of long gray and white hair so that only the eyes, nose and a hint of gray clothing. It is a very strange figure to see on a lady’s dainty silk bag. The face is framed with green foliage along the sides and bottom. There is a large deep lavender ribbon bow at the front. Two long pieces of ribbon are attached at the back and tied into a bow to create a loop handle. The bag has a narrow ribbon border and thick thread fringe in the deep lavender. It is 7-1/4” long and lined with stiffened buckram. Sewed to the back of the bow is a 2” metal clip embossed with the words, “Deus Medailles, Exposition Universelle Paris 1878.” to see on a woman’s dainty satin bag. Because of the metal clip I assume it was a souvenir from the fair. If anyone has information about this bag I would appreciate being contacted. DATED: 1878.
Handmade pale green velvet Pouch
Handmade pale green velvet Pouch with tiny silver and brass beads. The top is open, along one side is a small looped piece of the velvet with a large metal finger ring. Pouch is 4” at its widest and 5” long.
Octagonal Lucite Purse
Lucite is the brand name for the polyacrylic material Dupont patented in 1931. It was popular with fashion designers because it could be easily moulded and sculpted, enabling them to make purses in unusual and fun shapes. DATED: 1950s.
Lucite purse with a octagonal body has a gray marbleized front, back and bottom; the sides and top are a transparent lucite with small diamond diagonal carvings. It has a double twisted lucite handle and stands on 4 transparent round feet. It has a distinctive clasp which features three metal balls. Although there is no way to be certain who designed the purse, this style closure usually identified a Charles S. Kahn purse, a Miami, Florida manufacturer whose paper labels didn’t survive over the years. Bag is 7-1/2” x 3-1/2” x5-1/4f” at its deepest.
Pale teal Leather Bag
Pale teal Leather Bag with scenes of Japan painted in black on both sides of the bag. The bag has a round flip up top framed with nickel plate and decorated with a series of chrysanthemum, the Imperial Seal of Japan. Mt. Fuji is in the center of the flip up top. The back scene includes Japanese skiffs. At the bottom of the bag there is green glass bead with narrow corded threads hanging down. Oval shaped bag with wide bottom is 6” across at center and 8” long. Has a looped leather handle for holding. It might have been designed for tourists and probably dates before WWII.
Pale yellow enameled mesh bag
Pale yellow enameled mesh bag with a floral motif in medium blue, black and lavender. Oxidized metal frame with blue enameled flowers and ornate open work in a floral motif, a ball and socket closure, link chain. Along the inside top of the frame is stamped “Mandalian Mfg. Co.” Beige lining not original to bag. 3-1/2” x 6-1/2” excluding fringe. The V-shaped bottom and metal fringe were characteristic of Mandalian bags. DATE: 1920s and 30s.
Petit-Bead Purse
Petit-Bead purse covered overall with tiny very bright and shiny ivory plastic beads except where there are embroidered pink flowers and green leaves covered with a square of tiny clear beads in a checkerboard type pattern.. Outside metal frame covered with the white beads, inside frame in gold tone finish and a gold tone and white bead kiss lock closure and beaded handle. Ivory lining, inside pocket with separate envelope style coin purse with snap closure. Sewed to the inside flap is a silver colored plastic penny size coin with a picture of Jesus stamped on one side with the words “Sacred Heart of Jesus with the Kingdom Come,” and a picture of Mary and baby Jesus on the other side with the words“Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Jesus Pray for us.” I have no ideas if the bag was bought with the coin. The inside pocket says, “By Lumured Petite Bead, Made in USA” with a patent number that is difficult to read. Bag is 11” wide at the bottom edge and 7-1/2” long.
Round Chatelaine Bag, the front is tightly crocheted
Round Chatelaine Bag, the front is tightly crocheted in tan thread and decorated with steel cut beads in a circular pattern. The same beads are used for looped fringe. The back is tan and feels like chamoise. The brass plated metal frame is attached to the purse with small nails. The front of the frame is decorated with a series of fleur-de-lis and sea shells. It opens and closer with a plunger top. . The chatelaine is attached to the bag’s ring chain. On the front where a few beads have come off you can see a pattern of tiny blue dots where beads should be, which would suggest the bag was made from a kit. Kits were very popular at the turn of the century into the Edwardian period. In the April 1902 Home Needlework Magazine there are ads for patterns. DATE: Circa 1902.
Soft Corde Bag
Corde’ handbags were created using rows of gimp in unique patterns stitched to a fabric background. In the early 1940s Sears Roebuck & Company Catalog advertised corde bags for $7.50. DATE: 1940s.
Soft corde’ zipper bag, the top and sides are shaped like butterfly wings. It is stitched in a zig zag pattern with scalloped edges and gathered at the center in soft folds that attach to a center flap. Beneath the “wings” there is a triangle of several straight rows that are 8” across at the bottom. From the top of the wings to the bottom edge is 7-1/2.” Black fabric lining. A decorative twisted lucite loop is attached to the zipper with a short 6 link chain and corde’ jump ring. It was common for women to make corde’ bags and this bag may have been made from a purchased pattern.
Soldered ring Mesh Bag with Vandyke fringe
Soldered ring Mesh Bag with Vandyke fringe. Engraved on inside along the top of the frame is “German Silver.” The bag is attached along the base of the frame with a series of small rings. The top of the frame has a scalloped dome shape look. There is a kiss closure. Frame is 4” high from the top center to the bottom and 5-1/4” at its widest. The inside of the frame along the top says, “Patented December 10, 1912.” The bag itself is 6” x 7” from top of mesh to bottom of fringe. In doing my research I could not locate another mesh beaded bag from the late Victorian period through the 1920s that had this type of frame. I would appreciate any information someone might have. DATED: 1912.
Structured Corde Bag
Corde’ handbags were created using rows of gimp in unique patterns stitched to a fabric background. In the early 1940s Sears Roebuck & Company Catalog advertised corde bags for $7.50. DATE: 1940s.
Structured corde’ underarm bag in shell stitch with a zipper and black lining with a pocket. It is embellished with a satiny magenta rose with 3 green leaves. The rose may not have been original to the bag. It is lined in black with a pocket. Bag 15” x 9” x 2.”
Tam O Shanter Coin Purse
Tam O’Shanter Coin Purse, round metal lid probably nickel silver over brass with repousse of an Art Nouveau woman’s face in profile. Bottom of purse is crocheted in a pinwheel design in clear crystal beads. Lid 2” D. Tam O’Shanter was the hero of Robert Burns poem of the same name written in 1791. DATE: 1890s to early 1900s.