This excellent condition antique steel beaded handbag purse does not still retain
it's label, but it is most assuredly French, c.1880 - 1910. Late Victorian ~ Edwardian.
Most steel beaded bags are the standard rectangular shape, but this example is the
harder to find envelope style purse.
Additionally this is one of the rare brightly colored pattern bags, decorated in
a really beautiful floral and foliage motif that incorporates rich blue, red, pink,
lavender, green, brown and black on a subtle tonal vertical striped ground of metallic
gold, bronze and silver, with matching tonal fringe and handle.
Interestingly, this bag also features three totally different floral scenes; the
front of the bag has a completely different floral design than the one on the back
of the purse and the flap has yet another unique design.
The flap also has another
interesting feature; it is trimmed with bronze beads in a design that looks like
scallop edge work.
This is a very intricate detail that I have not previously seen.
Interior of the bag is lined in a wonderful buttery soft kid leather, with a middle
divider, making two separate sections.
Amazingly, unlike most antique envelope style hand bags, this purse still retains
the stiffener, a firm piece that runs across the upper back, so the purse maintains
the envelope shape when it is carried, as was intended. You cannot see this piece,
as it is sewn under the kid leather, but rest assured it is there.
Under the flap
is a small knob shaped button, that appears to be carved Mother of Pearl abalone
shell. We believe this button functions as a pull to make it easier to open the
purse.
This style of bag was usually marked with a sew in, Made In France label, under the
envelope flap, near the edge. In this bag, at that exact location, are the remains
of several tiny threads which were likely snipped to remove the label. The label
would have been visible every time the bag was opened and likely bothered someone.
This bag is in exceptionally nice antique estate condition. Interior lining is very
clean; we see only one tiny speck and very, very slight signs of use to top edge
of white kid leather. Bag exterior is also extremely nice. We see no stains, no
missing beads and no damage to the fringe. Additionally, the handle is free of damage,
which is quite amazing and wonderful, as the beaded straps on this type of bag almost
always have issues. The colors in the floral pattern design, as well as bag body,
remain bright and vibrant. No apologies necessary here.
A rather rare and hard to find brightly colored, floral pattern, antique French handbag.
If you like unusual purses, in exceptional condition, you will enjoy this bag. It
would make a fine collection addition.
