40's Purses

[Anachronism]

worthlesswithoutpics

 

[La Julia]

I agree, we need pics

 

[La Julia]

fftopic:

This purse is beautiful...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15436339

If you check often they have different ones everytime

 

[cecil]

Cordé purses/handbags?

I am confused by these things.

I recently picked up a black cordé handbag from a local shop for AUD$35. I guessed it was a 40s bag. However both a few weeks before I bought it and a week after I bought it I found two very similar bags for AUD $175-$200 (buh!) and two of them were labelled 50s. They weren't designer or anything, none had manufacturers labels and all were in good condition but not NOS or anything. I've searched Ebay for them and while the prices are much more reasonable, the bags are dated anywhere between the 30s to the 60s.

Could some of you ladies please enlighten me as to the date and value of these bags? Mine has the more "squiggly" corde pattern and is a sortof trapezoid shape.

Any insight appreciated!

 

[cecil]

fftopic:

This purse is beautiful...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15436339

If you check often they have different ones everytime

So pretty. I never see many clothes I like there but etsy is a GOLDMINE for accessories!

 

[chanteuseCarey]

I've not got spectator purses, but I really like the vintage 40s ones that are corde'. I got my first little black one from my favorite dealer, then found others (I have 5 or 6 now) on evilBay. I haven't been a purse kind of gal for years. Now I'm hooked!

I have been searching for a great vintage purse. But what I have come across is repos that dont look the part or vintage torn purses. Does anyone know where you can get a nice purse that is in the 40's style.
Im mostly looking for a spectator purse.

 

[retrogirl1941]

If any of you gals is handy with a sewing machine try this book out for size:

Making Vintage bags by: Emma Brenan

http://www.amazon.com/Making-Vintag...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247402866&sr=8-1

I have made three or four from this book. I make them when I can't find the "perfect" purse for a certian outfit or amd being cheap and don't want to spend money on a purse I may not use alot. what can I say being scotch-irish runs in the familylol !

Samantha

 

[Dinerman]

I'm moving this to the Powder Room, I think it'll get more traffic there than it would in General Style.

 

[Inky]

I purchased this bag recently and it is said by the seller to be 40's, which could be true. It is wool felt with a heavy satin lining and the seller stated the rings were Bakelite but I am not that familiar with Bakelite so i really don't know. It was only $9.99, so I'm not complaining whatever it is!

I know there are tests you can do - but what is safe to try on the rings, or can one of you wise ladies tell me what you think. Click here for a HUGE version of this image to see the rings better.

also I posted this in the Show Us Your Purchases, but thought it might be worthy of a repost here. I love love love this bag (and this one I know has lucite handles!):

It has a cylinder shape and is in impeccable condition.

 

[BeBopBaby]

Inky - Do the rings have a seam where two ends are joined? Or are they one continuous ring all the way around? I.e., were they made from a straight plastic rod that was bent into a circle or were they cast/molded into a continuous circle?

 

[Inky]

Inky - Do the rings have a seam where two ends are joined? Or are they one continuous ring all the way around? I.e., were they made from a straight plastic rod that was bent into a circle or were they cast/molded into a continuous circle?

There is no seam on the rings at all, either on the outer or inner edge, or even where a bent rod would connect to itself. the outer edge is flattened a bit, but smooth. Some are more opaque than others.

 

[zendy]

If you have any 409 you can put it on a q-tip and swipe the inside of the ring. I think if it comes off yellow it's bakelite. Also, you can rub a ring with you thumb and finger until it gets hot and then smell it. If it smells like formaldehyde it's bakelite.

 

[BeBopBaby]

I was just going to post the same thing as Zendy. Try rubbing one of the rings really hard with your finger until it feels hot, then smell the ring. If you get an acrid smell like formeldyhyde, it's bakelite.

The colors look right for bakelite. What do they call that color combo, root beer swirl? I can't remember for sure.

 

[Inky]

okay ladies, thank you so much for your help....it's not bakelite!

I tried the rubbing thing and it smelled of nothing. So i got some 409 and no yellow. Must just be some type of plastic.

But no matter, for $9.99, it's a lovely wool felt purse and I like it just the same! Now I know it's not too precious to use

 

[DillyDolly]

Sources

When I lived in England, I managed to get my purses off eBay. You might want to look further afield. Etsy, like the others said and just junk stores. I've found amazing stuff in Salvation Army stores. We go every week to see what we can find.

 

[glamour-girl]

gee thanks retrogirl, now i have another book on my "must have" list i already had to replace my old bookcase because it literally collapsed

 

[retrogirl1941]

gee thanks retrogirl, now i have another book on my "must have" list i already had to replace my old bookcase because it literally collapsed

what can I say? I can be a first class book enabler........its a talent!lol

Samantha

 

[glamour-girl]

i know exactly what you mean...lol