From the calling cards & dance cards of the late 19th century to the broad range of problem-solving items pulled from purses nowadays—purses have been an essential accessory to an outing for quite some time. Whether hard-shelled or leather-based, bags or clutches, invention and design vary greatly in this industry … keep reading for some of the best vintage purses available today!
How Can You Tell if a Purse is Vintage?
There are a few ways to get an idea of the age of a purse, hopefully they’ll help you find the perfect vintage addition to your collection.
-Tags: This is very basic but an easy first pass, the original tag or a cloth tag included as part of the purse may still be attached and bear a date.
-Style: Certain eras had predilections to certain styles, of course. Some general insights are:
- Full sterling silver purses are most likely early 20th century, along with detailed embroidery
- Small plastic wristlets & micro-beaded purses are likely 1930-50s
- Rhinestones and sequins, likely 1950s-60s
- Tooled leather and other such handicrafts were especially popular in the 1970s
- Unique themes (like Chinese take-out) were a quirky popularity in the 1990s
-Materials: Glass beads, leather, fabrics, and brass or iron were the most common materials prior to about the 1940s when early plastics began being used. Leather resurged in popularity from the 1950s on, at first mostly formal but the 60s & 70s saw more tooled leather creation.
Our List of Vintage Purses
I) Vintage Purses from the 1920s (& before)
1. Petit Point Embroidery
Period: 19th century
Material: Cotton, satin, & brass
Color: Black
Price: $60
Two birds sitting on a branch amid flowers have been embroidered in tiny stitches on this round purse. It is in excellent condition for its age, still vivid and complete.
2. Art Nouveau Calling Card Purse
Period: 1910s
Material: Silver & metal
Color: Silver
Price: $50
This is an abnormal material: the entire purse is made in silver. A dried pansy and clippings still reside inside one compartment from a previous owner. This piece shows some wear but is in overall excellent vintage condition for its age.
3. Art Nouveau Tooled Leather
Period: 1918
Material: Tooled leather, thread, & brass
Color: Brown
Price: $78
A gorgeous pattern that seems to be pulled straight out of Alphonse Mucha’s designs looks stunning on this Art Nouveau purse. The edges have been whipstitched together and the inside is unlined. The clasp is missing a small component, so it doesn’t click shut, but otherwise this purse is in excellent condition for its advanced age!
4. Art Deco Blue
Period: n/a
Material: Silk, glass beads, & metal
Color: Turquoise/blue & cream
Price: $55
This is an amazingly detailed purse between the design and the hand-sewn details inside and out. It is in good condition for its age, although it is missing some beads and needs a few edges reinforced.
5. Art Deco Wildflowers
Period: n/a
Material: Sequins, beads, fabric, & metal
Color: Black
Price: $97
This lovely evening bag stands out with a sparkle—or several. The sequin wildflower design is edged by glass seed beads on a black background, all in outstanding condition.
6. French Beaded Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Beads, fabric, & metal
Color: Green
Price: $50
A gorgeous French purse, with beading & a crocheted floral design. This purse retains the original chain and is in good condition, inside and out.
7. Microbeaded Rose Band
Period: n/a
Material: Micro-beads, thread, fabric, & metal
Color: Blue
Price: $135
This is an amazingly detailed purse that has been crocheted with mostly likely thousands of tiny micro-beads to form the entirety of the visible purse body. The inside is lined in blue fabric, overall, the bag is in good vintage condition.
II) Vintage Purses from the 1930s
1. Bakelite Microbeaded Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Bakelite plastic, micro-beads, metal, & fabric
Color: Brown
Price: $158
This small purse is formed of an early plastic, bakelite, in a wood grain coloring. An inset and strap of microbeads in dark brown hues complement, while the inside in lined in a similarly colored fabric (plus removable coin purse tucked inside). This is a unique piece of history in excellent condition!
2. Czech Wooden Beaded
Period: n/a
Material: Wood & metal
Color: Rainbow
Price: $42
Wooden round and oval beads have been sewn into a stripey pattern on this colorful purse. This piece was constructed in 1930s Czechoslovakia; it remains in excellent condition today.
3. Dance Card Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Sterling silver
Color: Silver
Price: $140
Beautifully engraved, this silver purse was intended for dance cards … and possibly small coin. It has been well cared-for and is in excellent condition.
4. Hand-painted Dots
Period: n/a
Material: Satin, paint, & metal
Color: Black with red, blue, & gold dots
Price: $42
A satin handbag would be class all on its own, but this one features a hand-painted pattern of red, blue, and gold dots across the purse body. It is in excellent vintage condition, inside & out.
5. Knit Opera Bag
Period: n/a
Material: Cord & fabric
Color: Black
Price: $18
A beautiful diamond knit stitch gives this opera bag character! The bag itself is in excellent repair, the drawstring is worn and may need replacement.
6. Metal Pillow Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Brass, copper, and velvet
Color: Brass, copper, & gold
Price: $80
This unusual clutch looks like a throw pillow but is constructed of metal (lined inside with blue velvet). It is in excellent condition, inside & out.
7. Posies in Barkcloth
Period: n/a
Material: Barkcloth & canvas (both cotton); metal & nylon
Color: White & red
Price: $54
This barkcloth purse with a vivid posies print has been updated inside with a new canvas lining and updated strap. It is in excellent condition & ready for adventure!
8. Purple French Beaded
Period: n/a
Material: Glass beads, silk, & metal
Color: Purple
Price: $68
Leaves and flowers in tiny glass seed beads have been sewn on to a purple silk to decorate this French purse. It is in good condition, there are two tiny possibly rust spots, but that’s it!
9. Shell Stitch Crocheted Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Plastic, gimp, & rayon
Color: Navy Blue
Price: $44
A beautiful shell stitch purse with early plastic frame and handles, all in excellent condition. There is not even wear showing around the clasp.
10. Whiting Davis Chainmail
Period: n/a
Material: Metal
Color: Silver
Price: $175
This is an unusual purse, made entirely of metal links for a chainmail style. The lid lifts to reveal a powder compact—powder pad still intact. Because of the metal design, tarnish comes with but that’s the only noticeable sign of its age.
11. Needlepoint Tapestry Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Fabric, thread, metal, & enamel
Color: Black
Price: $55
A floral display of forget-me-nots, roses, tulips, and more is surrounded by leaves and scrolled stems in this ornate needleworking. This purse is in excellent condition, still vivid and clean with only one small water mark visible.
III) Vintage Purses from the 1940s
1. Art Deco Croc Leather
Period: n/a
Material: Leather & metal
Color: Dark brown
Price: $54
An embossed leather purse that gives off a distinct crocodile vibe. Structured build and a lined interior that looks spotless makes this an easily usable accessory in good vintage condition.
2. Bakelite Beehive-Style Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Bakelite plastic (possibly Catalin)
Color: Amber yellow/orange
Price: $125
An early cast-formed plastic purse in a variegated orange and yellow pattern. It is in excellent condition, the only sign of wear is some shrinking of the plastic, noticeable around the lid corners.
3. Chenille Tapestry Handbag
Period: n/a
Material: Chenille velvet tapestry, fabric, & metal
Color: Black, yellow, & red
Price: $45
Fancy tapestry fabric covers this small handbag, an eye-catcher! This piece is in excellent condition with no perceptible wear.
4. Cordé Handbag
Period: n/a
Material: Rayon cordé
Color: Brown
Price: $36
Rayon cordé creates an intricate geometrical pattern on this Art Deco style handbag. The interior is lined and divided into multiple storage areas; the purse is in good vintage condition overall.
5. Crocheted Cordé
Period: n/a
Material: Rayon cordé, satin, plastic, & metal
Color: Espresso Roast brown
Price: $46
This purse is also rayon cordé, crocheted into a fan or bow pattern with carved clear handles. The inside is lined in satin, which appears to be clean and unstained.
6. Fur Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Fur, fabric, & metal
Color: Brown, red interior
Price: $38
A fur handbag, staple of 1940s glam but unusual now. It is in excellent condition, no wear spots and a tidy, clean interior.
7. Leather Structured Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Leather, grosgrain, & brass
Color: Forest green
Price: $98
A structured leather box purse in dark green, perfect for a subtle vintage accessory. The interior of the box and insider edge of the strap are lined in black grosgrain fabric—all of which appears to be in clean, good condition.
8. Lucite Purse
Period: 1990s
Material: Lucite
Color: Ivory
Price: $145
This purse is an exact replica of a 1940’s purse owned by the seller’s grandmother. This purse is in excellent condition with all the flair of an older piece, perfect for adding some old-fashioned charm to any outfit.
9. Seed Glass Beaded Clutch Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Seed beads & satin
Color: Cream & gold
Price: $375
Beautifully detailed, this seed bead-encased purse is in excellent condition inside and out. It is clean as well, with no missing beads—this is an amazingly well-preserved find!
10. Suede and Silke
Period: n/a
Material: Suede, silk, & brass
Color: Black
Price: $37
Suede outer body, silk lining inside—a straight-forward, no-nonsense bag that still drops style and grace. This bad is in excellent condition, with only some minor wear on the handle.
11. Woven Rayon
Period: n/a
Material: Rayon & metal
Color: Brown
Price: $40
Wrapped and twisted rayon threads make up this pretty and durable purse. The top features a zipper-close (in functional condition) and the inside is unlined and unstained.
IV) Vintage Purses from the 1950s
1. Bakelite with Rhinestones
Period: n/a
Material: Bakelite plastic, rhinestones, & metal
Color: White
Price: $43
A cute purse in an early hard plastic, replete with sparkly rhinestones! This purse is in good condition, the clasp is chipped, and a couple rhinestones have staged an escape, but otherwise sound.
2. Beaded Floral Clutch
Period: n/a
Material: Seed beads, fabric, & metal
Color: Cream & pastels
Price: $156
Another lovely beaded purse, this one in pale cream & pastels. It is in excellent condition, with no missing beads. The original strap has been replaced due to wear but is included with the bag still (as is the original mirror found in the bag).
3. Classic Leather Handbag
Period: n/a
Material: Leather, fabric, & brass
Color: Navy blue
Price: $25
A stylish handbag with several compartments inside ranging in size. This ag is a classy mid-century item to sport for some vintage style!
4. Theodore of California “Socialites”
Period: n/a
Material: Faux leather (vinyl), satin, & brass
Color: Taupe brown
Price: $45
This handbag is deceptively simple for being such a stylish piece during the ‘50s. It is well-constructed and still in excellent condition, there are a few surface scratches but nothing too major.
5. Vinyl Whipstitch Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Vinyl, thread, & metal
Color: Red
Price: $38
A classy mid-century design in vinyl, this piece has some definite dramatic flair. It’s in good vintage condition, ready to be your eye-catching accessory.
6. Waldman Metallic Leather
Period: n/a
Material: Leather, rayon fabric, & metal
Color: Electric blue
Price: $400
A nifty little purse in a vivid blue that is eye-catching. This octagonal hard-shell purse has never been used; it is brand-new 1950s stock just waiting for you!
7. Western Tooled Leather
Period: n/a
Material: Tooled leather & metal
Color: Brown
Price: $45
A beautifully designed piece with a patina of graceful aging to it. It has been well-used but remains in good vintage condition.
8. Wilardy Marbleized Lucite
Period: n/a
Material: Lucite & metal
Color: Dark grey
Price: $90
Hard-shelled lucite in a rectangular shape is designed for this hand-carried purse. The deep grey color is marbleized with lighter streaks and inset with a metallic floral clasp. There is a mirror on the lid reverse.
9. Wilardy Seashells Lucite
Period: n/a
Material: Lucite
Color: White
Price: $150
A small, round purse in white lucite (early plastic) cap-stoned by sandy ends featuring seashell designs, a motif copied on the clasp. There are small signs of wear but nothing hindering or outstanding, this purse is in good vintage condition.
V) Vintage Purses from the 1960s
1. Beaded Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Seed beads, fabric, & metal
Color: Cream
Price: $38
Seed bead detailing in white & clear overlays a netting with embroidered flowers on this elegant purse. The condition is excellent.
2. Delill Rhinestone Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Rhinestones, satin, & chain
Color: Gold & sparkly
Price: $245
A full rhinestone body on this purse makes for a lot of sparkle! This is a timeless and yet well-preserved piece, a classic addition to any outfit.
3. Gold Leatherette
Period: n/a
Material: Leatherette & metal
Color: Gold
Price: $75
A purse that looks like a miniature golden briefcase; this is a classy little piece in excellent vintage condition.
4. Gold Mesh
Period: n/a
Material: Metal & plastic
Color: Gold
Price: $75
This shimmery small purse is perfect for a few essentials on a night out—it can be used as a crossbody purse or wrap it a few times as a classy necklace. There are a few loose stitches inside, but overall good vintage condition.
5. Granny Square Purse
Period: n/a
Material: n/a
Color: White with jewel-tones
Price: $65
This is a brand-new purse, made in the ‘60s but never used. It’s a fantastic design, bright and colorful without overwhelming and what looks to be solid construction.
6. Korettalak
Period: n/a
Material: n/a
Color: Red
Price: $25
A sleek design in bright red, this Korettalak purse is in excellent repair and clean—ready for you!
7. Markay Leather Purse
Period: n/a
Material: Leather & metal
Color: Brown
Price: $20
A classy mid-century design, this sleek handbag is in good condition. There are a few minor wear spots on the leather, but nothing too unexpected at the half-a-century mark.
8. Tooled Leather
Period: n/a
Material: Leather, fabric, & metal
Color: Black exterior, baby blue interior
Price: $49
This tooled leather purse features a floral design. The purse has never been used, with the original tag still intact, so it is in excellent condition.
VI) Retro Purses
1. Tooled Leather Handbag
Period: 1970s
Material: Leather & fabric
Color: Brown
Price: $32
Made entirely of leather with a fabric lining inside, this is a classy piece in great repair. There is a bit of wear around the edges, nothing functionally compromising.
2. Tooled Leather with Painted Flowers
Period: 1970s
Material: Tooled leather & paint
Color: Brown
Price: $79
Another tooled leather purse, this one is unlined, but it features painted floral designs on the exterior. It is in good condition; it does show some wear but nothing compromising.
3. Diamond Beaded Evening Bag
Period: 1980s
Material: Beads, metal, & fabric
Color: Black, gold, & silver
Price: $29
A lovely full-beaded purse in a diamond pattern of black, silver, & gold beads. This vintage purse has been well-cared for and is in excellent condition.
4. New Etienne Aigner
Period: 1998
Material: Leather
Color: Stone tan
Price: $25
A leather purse by the Etienne Aigner brand, this purse was sold in 1998 but has never been used and retains the original tags.
5. Chinese Take Out Purse
Period: 1990s
Material: Brocade, metal, & bamboo
Color: Red & gold
Price: $42
A little take-out box in red brocade with golden detailing—a unique themed purse that is sure to draw attention. One flap of the fold-out close has a small mirror inset; the condition of this piece is good with only minor wear on one corner!
6. Japanese Kimono Clutch
Period: 1990s
Material: Hardbox & silk
Color: Black
Price: $25
Japanese kimono silk creates a classy appeal for this hard box clutch; it is in good condition with no noticeable issues.
7. Nordstrom Pleated Leather
Period: 1990s
Material: Italian leather & metal
Color: Navy blue
Price: $49
Italian leather in a fan-pleat design creates visual interest on this vintage navy-blue purse. This item comes with a cloth bag for storage; it is in overall great condition.
VII) Vintage Designer Purses
1. Floriz Embellished Handbag
Period: 1930s-40s
Material: Fabric, thread, & rhinestones
Color: Black & white
Price: $85
A Mexico-sourced handbag (per tag) with quite a bit of flair, this is an artsy piece of purse history. It is in excellent condition with no noticeable damages.
2. Saks Fifth Avenue Fish Scales
Period: 1950s
Material: Faux seed pearl beads, rhinestones, & satin
Color: Cream
Price: $99
This purse was made in Belgium for Saks Fifth Avenue. The fish scale design is made of hand-sewn faux seed pearls and rhinestones. The purse is in great vintage condition, basically only showing minor corner wear.
3. Fabrizio Verniani Clutch
Period: 1970s
Material: Metal & velvet
Color: Gold
Price: $178
This is a rare find: an Italian clutch by Fabrizio Verniani, in excellent condition. It includes a chain for shoulder bag use and a dust bag for travel.
4. Coach Sonoma No. A6B-4914
Period: 1980s
Material: Leather & brass
Color: Beige tan
Price: $90
This Coach messenger bag is made of genuine leather (of course). Some minor wear to the joint between strap and bag, but otherwise this purse is in excellent condition.
5. GUCCI Ophidia
Period: 1980s
Material: Canvas & leather
Color: Navy blue
Price: $375
Serial number, labeled, and in very good condition—this is an excellent GUCCI piece. There are minor scuffs and signs of wear on the hardware, as is to be expected from a moderately used vintage piece.
6. Liz Claiborne Classic
Period: 1980s
Material: Leather & brass
Color: Navy blue & tan
Price: $39
A Liz Claiborne brand leather messenger bag in navy blue and tan highlights/strap. This bag is in good vintage condition, ready for a new adventure!
7. Kenneth Cole Reaction
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Leather, canvas, & metal
Color: Green
Price: $30
A genuine Kenneth Cole Reaction purse, stamped with the brand and name (plus logoed zippers). This purse is in excellent condition with a long strap for cross-body or shoulder use.
