Make me an offer ◆ Handbags

I'm purging some handbags from my shop and personal collection. Do you see something here that you like? Get in touch to make me an offer or ask questions about a piece. Here are the basic stats to get us started (measurements do not include handles/straps).

1. 1980s Whiting & Davis mesh handbag, hinged frame and goldtone accents. 9" x 10"

2. 1990s faux leather handbag/clutch w/ two compartments, one zippered one snap. 7" x 11"

3. 1960s Japanese beaded purse with zipper and top handle. 5" x 9"

4. 1930s black velvet handbag with rhinestone clasp. 6" x 7"

5. 1960s "La Regale" Japanese beaded purse. 5" x 8"

6. 1910s Arts & Crafts "Bosca Built" tooled leather purse. Two slim pockets, original mirror. 6" x 7"

7. 1940s goldtone mesh evening purse. 4.25" x 3.25"

8. 1930s Czech beaded purse with top handle. 5" x 7"

9. 1910s double-hinged frame set with rose-cut glass, bag fabric dates later. 6 1/2" x 7 1/2"

10. 1940s blue velvet clutch with lined interior and side pocket. Rhinestone flip clasp, goldtone frame. 6" x 8"

Snap, zip, button, latch

Imagine a drawer with all of these pouches/wallets/bags inside. I'm having a tough time not making that vision a reality! Each of these pieces has something that grabbed me - a shiny clasp, some pretty stitching, a pleasant shape. Such lovely little things! Which one is your favorite?

 ▴ All images LINKED and courtesy of (top to bottom) Fabric Paper Glue, Squid Whale Designs, Made by Hank, French Queen's Ransom, Forestbound, Coriumi, Scout & Catalogue, Jenna Rose Handmade, Infusion Handcrafted Bags, BESS'NETTA and Ms.Tips Vintage ▴

Handbags for fall

All new in the shop today!

Little beaded purses

I'm fiiiinnnnallly getting around to listing these sweet little Czech purses. It seems to be the right season for them! I think they would be perfect for a summer wedding party. Maybe something sweet for a bevy of bridesmaids?

Little printed pouches

These little leather pouches from Hoakon Helga are mighty cute. Also, I'm coveting one of these big bags. Just imagine all the diapers I could fit in there!? Just kidding.

A lovey dovey purse

It's been ages since I've listed a handbag in the shop - I thought this would be a good one to come back with! Wouldn't it be a sweet purse to take out for a Valentine's soirée? I love the lining and the clasp. You can find it in the shop.

Paper bag purses

   

I really like these "bag" purses from Marie Turnor. They are leather and they have a hidden, magnetic clasp. The brown ones look like fancy lunch sacks!

Photos courtesy Mohawk General Store

Dancing purse

1930s photograph via Vintage Warehouse

Thanks to Christie from 72Studios for sending me a link to this great vintage photograph! The girl and the dress are sweet indeed, but the little beaded purse is what caught my eye (and hers, too). At first I thought it was a Czech glass bead dancing purse, but I think it is too big for that. It is probably a Belgian beaded clutch, sort of like this one in the shop. I bet the color of the beads on her purse matched the floral print on her dress, what do you think?

vintage IN BRUGES 1930s beaded clutch

I'm guilty

Sometimes when I find something really, really amazing I feel a little guilty. I sort of expect a knock at the door the next day from the Antiques Police. In the case of this purse, they might say something like, I'm sorry Ms. Duffelmeyer but we are going to have to confiscate that 1920s French cut steel beaded handbag that you acquired yesterday. It is just too cool for you. And I can't say that I would blame them. This purse - which is in mint condition - is off the bonkers chart. And yes, I scanned it!

Miser's purse

I bought a miser's purse in Kansas last month and I am totally in love with it. Sometimes called stocking purses, these were popular at the end of the 19th century and used to hold coins. This one is made of crocheted silk and cut steel beads. Here's how it works: There is a slit in the fabric near the middle where you can drop coins down either side. You push the silver "sliders" down over the coins after you drop them in to keep them from bouncing around. We didn't have any coins at home so I used my rings to illustrate how it works! So if you see something that looks like a fancy tube sock at your local antique mall, it is probably one of these!

"We do our part"

While I was listing this beaded purse the other day I took a closer look at its tag. It has the letters "NRA" over a blue eagle and the slogan, "We do our part." I did a little research to learn that this tag dates the manufacture of the the purse precisely to the years 1933-1935 and indicates that it was made in the United States under the guidelines of FDR's National Recovery Administration. The NRA was one of FDR's many New Deal efforts intended to buoy the economy during the Great Depression.

Here is a promotional video (1933) about the NRA. Kind of made my throat tighten up.

These things, too

Hey guess what? I've decided to sell little purses, pouches and other small things that close with a snap or a zip on Jean Jean Vintage. I love them and I think other girls might, too. There is a small section in the shop now for these pretty little things, with many, many more to come!