Lovely lady with a leather purse attached with a chatelaine clip at her waist.

The photograph of this stylish couple was taken in about 1920, and if you look closely, you will see that she carries a leather Arts & Crafts purse.

These beautiful little girls are all dressed for a wedding. They both carry softly shirred bags made to match their gowns.

NEEDLEPOINT and PETIT POINT
Needlepoint and it's smaller-stitched cousin, petit point, are both worked on a canvas or cloth backing, as opposed to tapestry, in which the stitches themselves create the fabric. The images are created by tiny stitches and intricate coloring, and jeweled and enameled frames often add to the design. In the late 1800's and early 1900's, ladies "fancy work" included the making of needlepoint and beaded bags, and illustrations and directions could be found in ladies magazines of the time. These bags were also imported from Europe, especially Austria.

   PETIT POINT purse 9 inches long and 7-1/2" wide across the frame. Beautiful garden motif with many flowers and wonderful colors, the frame is multi-chrome enameling and the chain handle is decorated with glass beads. Inside lining is intact and accented with braided trim.  View   View   View    View    View   View  #P20987   

    AUSTRIA petit point evening bag in a floral motif with a central architectural cartouche and a  pink and white enameled frame accented with marcasites, 6-3/4" by 7-1/2". The lining is decorated with tiny ribbon flower edging. This purse is pictured in can be seen in Evelyn Haertig's "More Beautiful Purses" on page 61, plate 41.  View   View  View   View   View  #P20988

  REDISCH of NY 1930-40's petit point evening bag, black enamel and sterling frame, pheasants and flowers motif, 6" by 6-1/4" . There is one blue cabochon replaced on the clasp.  View   View   View   View   #P20989

    NEEDLEPOINT cream and brown striped mini purse with flowers, gold tone frame with blue and yellow rhinestones, 5" by 4-1/2" with 10" handle. Enclosed hand written note says, "Party bag Tante (Aunt) Margot made and gave me in Baden-Baden 1938".    View   View   View   View    #P26685

       BLACK petit point purse with colorful floral and leaf motif, 7" by 8". The silver floral and scroll embossed frame is intricate and lovely, with dolphin loops holding a 16" double chain handle.   View   View   View   View   View   #P26687

    NEEDLEPOINT tan and cream needlepoint purse with floral medallion and rhinestone frame, 6-1/2" by 6" . The beads on the handle may have been added later, 12".   View   View   View   #P26690

      VICTORIAN cabinet card of a lady wearing furs, carrying a fur purse and wearing a fancy hat and leather gloves, leaning on a fringed chair, 4-1/4" by 6-1/2". Photographer was W. Nicholson, 20 Pier Street Ventnor, Isle of Wight and the Chine Studio, Esplanade Shanklin.  View   #Vnph3

   TIFFANY 1930-40's petit point evening bag, enameled and sterling metal filigree, frame floral still life motif, 5-3/4" by 8-1/3". A similar purse can be seen in "A Passion for Purses" by Higgins & Blaser on page 108.  View  View   View  #P20978

TAPESTRY, FABRIC & early LEATHER
Fabric bodied purses were often coordinated with richly jeweled and enameled frames. Some fabric used in these purses was older fabric being re-used, and some was designed especially for purses. Tapestry differs from needlepoint in that the stitches form the fabric, instead of being worked into a base fabric or canvas.

PURSE Oriental gray purse with soft coral, green, yellow and brown vases of flowers purse with butterscotch and black frame, 8" by 9", and 14", handle shredding.   View   View   View   View   View     #P32276

PURSE black silk purse with cross stitched flowers and rhinestone clip front frame, 9" by 7", one tiny hold near top through one layer of fabric only.   View   View   View   View   #P26646 

    CHINESE evening bag, beautifully colored embroidered silk cell with a netsuke style clasp, 7-1/8".   View   View    #P20983

    ASIAN bag, pattern silk chatelaine with a celluloid dragon toggle, 5-1/3" by 3-1/2".  View   View    View   View  #P20984

     ASIAN bag, embroidered knots chatelaine with celluloid dragon toggle, 5-1/2" by 3-1/2".  View   View   View   View  #P20985

 ASIAN embossed tinted leather bag with celluloid dragon toggle, 5-1/2" by 3-1/2".  View   View   View   View  #P20635

Close up of dragon toggle.

  ASIAN evening bag, colorful tooled leather, celluloid elephants Mt Fuji. Measures 7-1/8" wide.   View   View    View   View  #P20980

  VICTORIAN black leather purse with gold tone scrolled frame and Art Nouveau style lady center medallion, 6" by 6" with 10" handle, circa 1890.  View   View   View   View    View   #P26641

  BLACK velvet 7" by 5-1/2" purse with silver cherubs, flowers, dolphins 6" by 2" frame and 3" belt chatelaine with 3-1/2" chains, German, stamped 800 silver and dated 1880/90.  .   View   View   View   View   View   #P28879     

  ART NOUVEAU  leather purse, curved leather pouch with chased silver frame.  View    View  #P20964

         DEUTZ brown wool 7-1/2" by 8" purse with 2" wide gold tone frame, 2-3/4" detachable swan brooch, double chain 10" handle.   View   View   View   View   View   #P26705

ROSENFELT oval black suede bag with a center painted medallion depicting 18th century style couple mounted in an elaborate blue and turquoise enameled frame, 11" by 11", circa 1950. View  #P20991  

PURSE in black with cut steel beads and a marcasite clasp, black celluloid frame, 7" body with 5" base that expands, 8" handle.   View   View   View   View   #P34525    

ASIAN evening bag, 5-1/2" by 3-2/3" tooled leather cloud & dragon motif.  View   View  #P20982  

   PURSE Asian motif purse with embroidered lady, butterfly and peonies, wear on the figure of a lady, 7-3/4" by 5-3/4".   View   View   View   View   View   View   #P32277

ASIAN evening bag, processional on front, 8-1/3" by 6".  View   View   #P20981  

BEADED BAGS
Glass beads have decorated personal ornaments for hundreds of years, and the range of colors and designs is almost infinite. Floral, figural, scenic ... all are collectible. Most glass beads came from France, Italy, Czechoslovakia and Germany. Purses were made both professionally and as a home craft.

     BEADED 6-1/2" by 10-1/2" purse with red and pink roses on a black background with green and golden colored accents. Excellent condition with no flaws or missing beads on the outside,  but one 1-1/4" straight slit in the inside green lining.  Handle is 16". Approximately 14 beads to the inch.   View   View   #P22083

VICTORIAN "Made in Germany" glass beaded leaf motif purse in gorgeous colors of red, aqua, green, brown and topaz on a cream background, 5" by 9-1/4". There is no lining remaining, but the original tag is inside on a thread. Also inside the purse about half of one side of the top portion has been re-stitched to the fabric liner (see in the picture) but it is not visible from the outside. The lovely fringe is intact, and there are two aqua glass cabochons on the snap closure.  View   View   View   View   View   View   View   #P28878

  BEADED 6-3/4" by 11-5/8" purse with richly colored Persian rug designs. The frame is a fabulous black molded plastic cameo and flowers, and the handle is a layered multi-colored 16" plastic chain. The inside lining is original but frayed. Approximately 17 beads to the inch.  View   View    View   #P20175

FRENCH  multi colored glass beaded bag wreath pattern, 12" by 8". Interior lining has ribbon flower edging.   View  #P20966

  BEADED pouch purse with a version of the Cross of Lorraine and a romantic handwritten World War I note from a soldier at the front inside dated 1918. This is 18 inches from top to bottom of fringe.  View   View   View   View    View   View   #P20960

  FRENCH  pouch bag with sterling frame and fine glass beads in purple grapes and vines motif on gold background, 7" by 12", clasp has amethyst-colored cabochons. View   View  #P20967

   PURSE aqua and silvery glass seed bead purse with loop closure handle, 5" body with 2-3/4" tassel, 4" looped handle.   View   View   #P28606

   PURSE cobalt blue glass seed bead with black, brown, burgundy, sage and lavender design drawstring purse, 7-1/2" by 10' with 12" handle.    View   View   View   #P28607

   PURSE brown glass seed bead crocheted drawstring purse, 5-1/2" by 7-1/2" with 12" handles.   View   View   View   #P28608

 PURSE black satin purse with sequins and artificial pearls, 5" by 3-1/2" by 1-1/2". The double handle is 16" long. Inside are mirrors, powder rouge and lipstick compartments, but no lipstick tube.  View   View   View   #P17449 

CUT STEEL BEADED BAGS
Shimmering subtle colors and intricate designs are the hallmark of these wonderful purses. Made in both Europe and the United States, they are usually framed in gilt base metal or plate. French cut steel bags are particularly desirable.
 

   STEEL beaded purse with basket motif and jeweled and enameled frame set with aqua cabochons and blue rhinestones. Purse body is 6-1/2" by 9". Lining is intact though very slightly soiled, and is trimmed with ribbon flowers. Included inside are a matching mirror and coin purse.   View    View    View    View   #P20422

  FRENCH glass beaded purse, pink and golden, 6" by 11", covered mirror inside.   View   View   View   #P28877

 MADE IN FRANCE  labeled fine carpet pattern aluminum beaded bag, early 20th century. The colors, design and quality are wonderful. Measures 6-3/4" by 11-3/4". Two bottom fringes are missing, and the inside lining is shredded.  View   View   View   View  #P20965       

  FRENCH DECO gold and silver colored cut steel beaded bag with an amber stone clasp accented with topaz-colored rhinestones, 6" by 8-1/4" with a delicate pink lining. The geometric bottom enhances the overall design of the purse. A design very similar to this can be seen in Evelyn Haertig's "More Beautiful Purses" on page 247, top left.  View   View   View  #P20968 

   STEEL BEADED handbag with subtle metallic coloring, 5-1/2" by 9-1/2". Soft sage green lining is intact   View    View    View    View    View   #P16678

 CUT STEEL beaded carpet pattern bag with lovely fringed bottom, 8-1/2" by 4-3/4", no lining and reinforcing stitching on the inside at each corner (see pictures). A design very similar to this can be seen in Evelyn Haertig's "More Beautiful Purses" on page 247  View   View   View   #P25905

  PURSE cut steel bead purse with double chain strap, 5-1/4" by 7".   View   View   View      #P28491

   FRENCH  steel cut beaded carpet pattern bag, 4" by 6-2/3".  View   View   #P20970

    PURSE steel metallic beaded purse in silver and gold beads with green accents, lining as is, 4-1/2 by 6-1/2".   View  View   View   #P16678A

   CHATELAINE PURSE Marked "F&N Co" inside., with a silver plated frame, silver faceted beads and a leather back, originally worn on a chatelaine, circa 1900, 5" by 8". A purse almost identical to this can be seen in Roseann Ettinger's "Handbags" on page 32 and in Evelyn Haertig's "More Beautiful Purses" on page 136.   View   View   View   #P20992       

   GORHAM sterling purse chatelaine, 2-1/8".   View   View   View    Purse shown with belt clip attached. #a24991

 PURSE Art Nouveau frame circa 1900 steel cut bead round purse with fringe as is, 6-1/2" with 6" chain, lady face belt chatelaine, 2". A similar purse can be seen in Roseann Ettinger's "Handbags" on page 32 and in Evelyn Haertig's "More Beautiful Purses" on page 136.   View   View   View   View   #P28603   

VICTORIAN ladies and chatelaine their purses.  View

FRENCH  cut steel square pouch with basket design, geometric and lattice border. View  #P20969

   LADY with wide brimmed hat, umbrella and purse.

MESH PURSES
While mesh bags were hand made in the 1800's, the invention of the mesh making machine in 1909 made them more readily available. There are many types of mesh, some of which are: ring mesh; Dresden mesh; baby mesh; fish scale mesh; and enameled mesh. Mesh bags are still made and used today.

 WHITING DAVIS Dresden enamel mesh purse, pink silk lining, 8-1/2" long and 5" wide with 12" handle. This purse is in the 1932 Denver Jeweler's Buying Guide   HERE. A similar purse can be seen in "A Passion for Purses" by Higgins & Blaser on page 28.   View   View   View   View   View   #P32551

   WHITING DAVIS mesh bags, "hand in hand with fashion."
1932 Denver Jeweler's Buying Guide

WHITING DAVIS Deco framed colorful baby mesh purse, 5" by 7-1/2".   View   View   #Pwin 

   WHITING DAVIS "Dresden enamel soldered mesh bag, silk lining and mirror, enamel frame and chain, 4" wide".
1932 Denver Jeweler's Buying Guide

  WHITING DAVIS baby mesh purse in gold, crimson, blue and black, 7" by 5" body.   View   View   #P22625

   WHITING DAVIS "Dresden enamel soldered mesh bag, silk lining and mirror, enamel frame and chain, 5" wide".
1932 Denver Jeweler's Buying Guide

   WHITING DAVIS mesh purses.
Denver Jewelers Buying Guide, 1932

  WHITING DAVIS baby mesh purse with Deco style gold tone frame, circa 1930, 4" by 6" with enclosed matching 2-1/4" round mirror. A catalogue purses like this can be seen in the 1932 Denver Jewelers Buying Guide.   View   View   #P26657

 WHITING DAVIS mesh purses.
Denver Jewelers Buying Guide, 1932

  WHITING DAVIS baby mesh purse, 4" by 5" in soft lovely colors, and includes a small round mirror inside.  View    View   #P21231

   WHITING DAVIS mesh bag, "Dresden  enamel soldered mesh bag, silk lining and mirror, 4" wide."
Denver Jewelers Buying Guide, 1932

   WHITING DAVIS baby mesh purse, rose, burnt melon, blue on gray background, lined, 4" by 5-1/2". View #P26049

    WHITING DAVIS mesh bag, "Dresden  enamel soldered mesh bag, silk lining and mirror, 5" wide."
Denver Jewelers Buying Guide, 1932

    WHITING DAVIS  baby mesh purse in gray, blue, rose, blue and green, 4" by 6-1/2". the gold tone frame is stylized flowers and scrolls in a Deco style, circa 1930. There are 4 stitches dropped beside one hinge. Wonderful color illustrations of these mesh bags can be seen in the 1932 Denver Jeweler's Buying Guide.   View   View     #P24760

   WHITING DAVIS Dresden mesh purse in soft grayed colors, 4" by 6-3/4".  View   #P24990    

 WHITING DAVIS painted mesh purse in brown, apricot cream and black with Deco black and silver frame, 5" by 6-1/2" 14" chain.   View   View   #P24843

   PAINTED MESH purse in purple, red and deep yellow on a cream ground, excellent mesh condition, 3-3/4" wide and 7" long. The frame is a lovely embossed floral, lattice and scroll pattern. Two links are dropped under each hinge.   View   View   View   #24761

  WHITING DAVIS  painted mesh purse with cream background and pink. black and green design, 6-1/3" by 4" wide.  #P23210

 PURSE marked "WB patn June 4, 1918"; silver mesh arched frame bag with coins front flap, 7" by 3".   View   View  #P20976

   PURSE sterling mesh purse, marked with a butterfly? Hallmark, tiny "Agnes Campbell" engraved on frame, 9" with 5" handle. A very similar purse can be seen in Evelyn Haertig's More Beautiful Purses on page 401.  View   View   View   #P28604

   PURSE silver mesh heavy purse with hallmarks, foliate etched frame, zig-zag front ruffle, 8" by 8" with 20" handle.   View   View   #P28605

 GERMANY gun metal gray mesh purse, 5" by 4-1/2" with 13" chain handle.   View   #P28499

   PURSE mesh gold tone compact/purse, body 7-1/2" by 3", handle 6", engraved on compact "EAG". Tiny dangle opens compact when pulled downward. . A similar purse called the "Picadilly" is on page 402 of Haertig's "More Beautiful Purses".   View   View   #P24300    

   FRANCE real gun metal mesh purse with etched and pierced frame, 6-1/2" by 6-1/2" with 12" handle, two tiny dropped links.   View   View   #P50679

 WHITING DAVIS silver mesh purse with lacy edge, 7-1/2" by 4". Marked inside the frame "Whiting Davis, Canada".   View   View   View   View   #P32343

  GOLD TONE mesh purse with clear rhinestones clasp, 6-1/4" by 5".    View   View   View    #P21835  

WHITING DAVIS silver mesh chatelaine purse. The motif on  the hook is a classical urn, and the 4-1/2" purse itself has twin blue glass clasps. The total length is 9".    View    View    View    #P19533

MISER'S BAGS
The miser's purse was in style in the mid to late 1800's. Carried by both men and women to contain money, they were flipped over a belt, held in the hand, or kept in a pocket. The metal rings push down to contain the coins, which were inserted into a small slit opening at the middle of the bag. These purses were usually either knitted or crocheted, and were often hand made from patterns found in the magazines of the time. 
 

   BEADED miser's purse, knitted green and tan stripes with cut steel bead work and enameled decorative capped ends. View  #P20957

     BEADED miser's purse, knitted ivory color cut steel bead work and fringe. The different fringes on each end made it easier to determine which end of the bag held which items.  #P20958

   KNITTED miser's purse, red, brown & green knit .   #P20959

SOVEREIGN or COIN PURSES
 

VICTORIAN ivory sovereign purse with sterling design on front, 3" by 1-3/4" by 1/2" deep.   View   View   #V31740

SOVEREIGN Victorian cream celluloid with silver cartouche sovereign purse, 2".   View   View   #P29757

VICTORIAN ivory-colored celluloid "Communion" purse with painted front design, separate pockets inside, 2-1/2" by 2" by 1/2" thick.   View   View   #V31576

  CHATELAINE Victorian sterling chatelaine with perfume, mirror, stamp box, pencil and match safe.    View   View   View    View    #V20954

     COIN PURSE satiny fabric coin purse with basket and flowers motif in metallic and fabric thread, 3" by 3", back frayed.   View   View   View   #P26645

   NECESSAIRE black enamel on sterling 3-1/4" by 2" compact purse with 2" lipstick and marcasite initials "PSM". Compartments for powder, rouge and mirror.  View   View    View   #P28393

VICTORIAN fur purse dated Feb. 7, '71, 4" by 2-7/8" by 1-1/2" deep.  View   View   #P33552

 VICTORIAN ivory souverign purse with silver cartouche, 3-1/8" by 2".    View   View   #V34684

SILVER PURSES

 

PURSES with RHINESTONE FRAMES
Whether plain fabric or fancy bead-worked bodies, these purses are enhanced by semi-precious gems and rhinestone studded frames. 
 

   DECO black suede evening purse with rhinestone encrusted frame and faux ruby cabochon accents.   View    View  #P13065

LEIBER black satin evening purse with frosted glass scarab top and pendant teardrop.   View    View   #P15647

LEIBER black satin evening purse with frosted glass scarab top and pendant teardrop.   View    View   #P15647  

HOBE gold tone purse frame with rubies, sapphires, quartz cabochons and rhinestones, marked "Hobe" inside, 6-1/4" by 3-1/2". The frame is also decorated with etched designs of flowers and leaves.   View   View   View   View   View   #O31278

HOBE purse with clear cabochons, pink blue and clear rhinestones set in gold tone frame and tambour stitch embroidered floral and beaded body, frame 8-1/2" by 1-3/4", body 12" at the widest by 5-1/2", inside fitted pockets, marked "Bags by Josef, hand beaded in the USA", light soil inside.   View   View   View   View   #O31296

HOBE ruby, sapphire, aquamarine, citrine and topaz frame purse with replacement body, frame 6" by 1-1/8", purse body 6-5/8" by 6-1/2".   View   View   View   View   #O29807

  HOBE Josef purse with beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame. It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom.   #P23864

   HOBE unsigned purse with beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame. It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom.   #P23864  Rhinestone frame DETAIL showing rhinestone drop latch.   View   View

   HOBE unsigned purse with tambour stitched and beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame. It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom.   #P23864  DETAIL of beaded and embroidered body.

   HOBE unsigned purse with beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame. It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom.   #P23864  Purse and accessories, including two satin pouches with jeweled snap and plastic comb.

  HOBE unsigned purse with beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame. It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom.   #P23864  Purse is lined in cream colored fabric.

  HOBE unsigned purse with beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame. It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom.   #P23864   Matching jeweled pouches.

  HOBE unsigned purse with beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame. It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom.   #P23864  Back view

  HOBE unsigned purse with beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame. It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom.   #P23864  Back view of frame.

  HOBE unsigned purse with beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame. It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom.   #P23864   Mark inside one of the pouches.

Ad for this purse. The stitched and beaded body was made by well-known purse maker Josef, and the frame by Hobe, circa 1950. At the bottom, the ad says, "... evening bags by Josef... jewelry to match, bracelets $79.50, pin clips $35.00, earrings $19.75."    View
Courtesy of Pat Seal

  Josef of Paris made fabulous handbags. They were beaded in France and then imported. In 1946, when this ad came out, the price of the purse was $125.00.
Courtesy of Pat Seal

  PURSE cloth bodied 5-1/2" by 8" purse with jeweled frame. The body is decorated with bird and floral motifs in soft subtle colors which coordinate beautifully with the frame. View View View #P26048

   RHINESTONE purse with clear rhinestone body and pink, lavender, blue and green borders, 4-1/3" by 2-1/2" by 1-1/3" deep. Golden inside with a flip-out shoulder length chain.    View   #P62199

 IRADJ MOINI attributed round purse with scrolling metal openwork intertwined with cabochon pink tourmalines and rhinestone swirls, set to the center with large cabochon jade-green stones, the twisted metal top handle having cabochon green stone terminals, body 6" by 3" deep.    View  #P24339

     FOLD-OVER jeweled sapphire-colored glass cabochons frame and brocade evening bag frame, circa 1920's, 8-1/2" wide and 5-1/2" tall when folded as shown. One small stone is missing at the front center, and the fabric body needs to be replaced as it is badly frayed.   View    View    View   View   View   View   #P20955

PURSES of WOOD, CELLULOID, PLASTIC, LUCITE or BAKELITE
 

    PURSE Deco 1920's butterscotch-colored purse with painted pastel and rhinestones décor, 3" by 5". The outside is in wonderful condition, but the inner lining is soiled. This purse is seen in Higgins & Blaser "A Passion for Purses" on page 29.   View   View   #P22124

   PURSE Deco 1920's black plastic minaudiere purse with red rhinestones, 5-1/2" by 2-5/8". There are three compacts intact inside. Similar purses can be seen on page 545 of Haertig's More Beautiful Purses.   View   View   #P22121

PURSE celery green fabric purse with green and black plastic and rhinestones front, 3 by 4-1/2".  View   View   #P22122

   DECO plastic colorful peacock on a black background minaudiere purse with interior fittings. Similar purses can be seen on page 545 of Haertig's More Beautiful Purses.  
View    View     #P20194

WOODEN Suzanne Brand Made in Czechoslovakia multi-colored wooden beads purse with zipper top, circa 1935, 8" by 5". See a similar purse in Moro's European Designer Jewelry on page 188 and in "A Passion for Purses" by Higgins & Blaser on page 232. .  #P25403

    PLASTIC tortoise-colored purse with tan satin fabric lining, 5" by 3-3/4" with a 16" strap. The lining has shredding and light lipstick stains on one side.  View   View   View   View   #P26480

PURSE Lucite apple juice carved top tortoise colored body purse, circa 1960.  View   View   View   #P26773

CROCHETED and HOME KIT PURSES
 

   PURSE ivory "Irish Crocheted" purse with ribbon drawstring and crocheted ball trim, circa 1900, 7" by 14". See Haertig's More Beautiful Purses page 83-84.   View   View   #P28609

  CROCHETED brown, soft peach and yellow and tan wooden beads purse, 6" by 8" with 2" bottom tassels.   View   View   #P50680 

    LEATHER laced glass beaded fringed bag, probably made from a home kit, about 4" wide and 9" long. A similar purse is on page 111 of Haertig's "More Beautiful Purses".    #P17895