Give 'Em a Hand

Handbags, purses, pocketbooks... modern conveniences? Not really. These useful items have served their owners for centuries.

As far back as the Middle Ages, both men and women carried purses. Although these medieval bags infrequently held the rare commodity of money, they did serve to stash other small personal items such as important papers for men and sewing implements for ladies.

These early purses often reflected the social status of the carrier. More elaborately embroidered and embellished bags usually found a home with society's most affluent members.

Handbags dating prior to the 19th century rarely present themselves to collectors today. The most popular bags these days are the beaded and metal mesh examples of the early 20th century.

Considering their relatively small size, 6-9 inches long, these purses can be a joy to own and wear for evening occasions.

Beaded examples in excellent condition seem to be moving into the rare category now. As the materials become more fragile with age, restoration is often needed. This includes replacing torn silk linings and the tedious task of sewing tiny seed beads back into place.

Metal mesh bags, especially the plain goldtone or silvertone versions produced by Whiting and Davis, are a little more durable but can still be scratched if not used and stored with care. Purses with painted mesh often show wear to the designs and sometimes have fringe dangles missing along the bottom edges. Links coming detached around the hinges can also present a problem.

All these damage factors should be considered when making a vintage handbag purchase. Prices have risen sharply over the last five years in this market, with some beaded and mesh bags once considered ordinary now selling for over $100 each. Only the bags in top condition get high prices from devoted collectors, however.

Condition concerns come into play with most any handbag from any era, even the Lucite box purses of the '50s. These wonderful geometric bags made from hard plastic are durable, but not entirely indestructible. If not treated kindly, they are prone to cracking and scratching, even though they're made of plastic.

For every day functionality, shoppers wanting a vintage look that wears well should look for larger, more durable handbags dating from the '40s and '50s. These retro bags can add dramatic flare to a wardrobe without putting a sizable dent in your wallet.

Many stylish cloth, velvet and leather bags can be purchased for less than $25 at antique shops and vintage clothing stores. Some of these bags probably cost that much when they were new decades ago, offering great quality for the price.

Collecting vintage handbags doesn't have to be an accessorizing proposition though. Many people use them to decorate as well.

Older metal mesh and beaded bags look beautiful hung on walls in colorful groupings. A shelf lined with box purses from the 1950s makes a striking statement, espeically for those who are too young to remember these collectibles in their original glory.

Some bags of yesteryear were made using whole baby alligators. The skins formed the bulk of the bag while the head and feet served as decorative accents. As conversation pieces, these unusual bags can really get some attention, and even stir a little controversy, in most any setting.

Now that you're thinking vintage, it's time to clean out that closet and take another look at Aunt Edith's old handbag you saved. Perhaps it's just what you need to get a jump on your spring wardrobe update or new decorating scheme.

Additional resources:

Reference books on handbags and purses available in the Vintage Accessories section of the Antiques Bookstore.

For more information on vintage handbag repair and restoration, including beading and mesh, contact Eileen.

Visit Favorite Past-Times and browse a beautiful selection of vintage bags.

Shop for even more wonderful bags with Victorian Millinery.

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