Milady's Vanity
Formerly Tri-State Antique Center

 

Phone: (412) 292-8889
Fax: (412) 291-1367
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Milady's Vanity

Owner's

~Private Collection~



Welcome to my own private studio of purses.  These are just a few of my personal favorites that I have collected over the years.  I will add more periodically to share with you some of the beautiful works of art that I have kept.  Please remember . . . these purses are not for sale.  When you are finished viewing, simply return to the purses for sale by following the menu at the top of this page.  I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I enjoy having them!

 


Figural French Steel-Beaded Purse
Depicting Francois Boucher's
"Four Seasons - Winter" Painting


French Steel-Beaded Purse
Click on Photo for More Images

rosette I just acquired this beautiful French steel-beaded purse from a private collector and it has become one of my most favorites of all time.  It is all original and features a vibrantly colored scene on both sides of one of Francois Boucher's famous paintings -- "Four Seasons - Winter" done in the late 1700's.  The purse has an original mirror inside, a small coin purse, and labels stating Hand Made in Paris France.  The frame is elegantly engraved and topped with two sapphire jewels in the kiss clasp.  The colors in this purse are just so beautiful and it looks so much better in person than I could capture in these photos.  This is a rare beauty. Below is an image showing the painting as displayed in the Frick Collection in the Frick Museum.  Measures 7" wide x 11-1/4" long.

 


RARE Charlotte-Beaded
Double-Sided Figural Purse


Zeppelin Beaded Purse

Click on Photo for More Images

rosetteThis purse is the gem of my entire collection being knit from very rare single-cut Charlotte* glass beads which cause the purse to glisten and reflect light from different angles giving it a very sparkly appearance (see the video).  In addition to this, the figural scene is different on each side.  It depicts a courting couple -- on the front side the gentleman has removed his tophat and is presenting his lady fair with a lovely bouquet.  She is garbed in a flowing gown carrying a reticule and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.  The reverse side depicts the same (I believe) couple who appear to be dancing on an outside veranda.  Both scenes are ones I have never seen in all my years of collecting and I consider it to be a one-of-a-kind purse.  The frame is extraordinary with a huge deep red carnelian crown clasp with matching colored jewels on the handle and frame.  Several other smaller jewels accent the frame and clasp as well.  Beautifully lined and in perfect condition.

*Charlotte Beads - read about them here.


rosetteNOTE:  I have sold this purse to another collector so it is no longer in my collection.


RARE Zeppelin Scenic Micro-Beaded Purse


Zeppelin Beaded Purse
Click on Photo for More Images

rosetteThis rare and outstanding museum quality purse has usurped the title of "Pride of my Collection".  Featuring a rarely seen (I have, in fact, never seen one) zeppelin flying above a seaside castle with a boat in the foregroud.  The castle turrets tower over the village surrounding it.  The beautiful aqua sky boasts fluffy white clouds and the pink and lavender dirigible peacefully floating above.  It is just the epitome of a bygone era captured in microbeads and probably is one-of-a-kind.  The frame was from another purse I had been saving for over 20 years awaiting the perfect purse to put it on (the original frame on the zeppelin purse was broken).  The colors of the jewels perfectly complement the colors of the purse and the quality of the frame is in keeping with the rarity and quality of the purse as well.  And the jeweled handle is also in a class of its own.  Original lining is still inside.  This beauty measures a bit over 6-1/2" wide x 11"  long not counting clasp.

Note: Thanks to an email I received, I found out the historical significance of this purse was even greater than I knew.  Apparently the village and castle below is of Friedrichshafen, Germany, home of the original Zeppelin factory built by Ferdinand von Zeppelin. Zeppelin had his airships built in a floating airship hangar on the lake which I believe is what is shown symbolically on the lower front right of the purse. Information gotten from Wikipedia.

 


Charles Lindbergh Airplane
Scenic Beaded Purse


Charles Lindbergh Airplane Beaded Purse
Click on Photo for More Images

rosette One of my most recent acquisitions is this fantastic and extremely rare beaded purse depicting the flight of Charles Lindbergh across the Atlantic, even showing a steamship with smoke clouds on the ocean below.  This one is all done in cut steel beads in very pretty colors ... most silvery gray in the sky but reflecting the setting sun, with radiating rays, in the water and in the pinks in the blue sky above.  The frame is an etched silverplate and it is lined in kid leather.  I love collecting purses of historical signifcance and this one certainly fits the bill.  It is not a huge purse, measuring only 5-3/8" wide x 8-1/4" long, but it is big on its charm and appeal!


Butterfly Hunters Micro-Beaded Purse


Butterfly Hunters Beaded Purse
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rosetteConsidered by many to be the crown jewel of beaded purses, this much sought after purse is known to collectors as "Butterfly Catchers" or "Butterfly Hunters".  The scene depicts two young women out for a stroll alongside a lake with their butterfly nets in tow.  The purse is in near mint condition and is topped off with a stunning jeweled frame with a huge cobalt jeweled clasp ... in fact, the clasp measures 1-1/8" high!  The back of the purse has the same scene.  The inside is lined in a pale tan silk and is trimmed with pretty French silk ribbon roses.  And the fringe is to die for!  Lush intertwined twisted loops in colors reflected from the purse design and that ties it all together with the colored jewels in the frame (cobalt and carnelian).  This purse is much larger than others I have had in the past ... it measures a full 8" across at the frame, 9" across at the bottom, and 13" long.   Magnifique!


Victorian Girl on Beach
with Goat - Micro-Beaded
Reticule


Girl on Beach Beaded Purse

Click on Photo for More Images

rosetteThis purse has been in my collection for many years now and I only grow to love it more each day. With the passing of time, I have never run across another like it and I truly cherish it.  This mint condition reticule is done in the tiniest beads I have ever seen lending an artistic quality that makes this purse truly look like a painting.  The detail is extraordinary depicting a girl with sun hat and large bow sash around her waist glancing out to sea.  She holds bouquet of flowers in one hand and a small goat grazes in front of her.  Her wistful look makes you think she is longing for her love who has gone to sea.  Gorgeous colors!  Lined in ivory silk damask and finished in emerald green fringe.


Beaded Pouch Purse
with Gorgeous Figural Dragonfly (Butterfly)
Carved Celluloid Frame

Zeppelin Beaded Purse

Click on photo for more images

rosetteThis beautiful purse is done in rich colors on a cobalt blue ground on a pouch purse design.  The purse would be piecrust shaped if it could be laid flat but the way it was attached to the frame gives it a fuller shape, hence the "pouch" description.  It is truly unique!  The carved celluloid frame is stunning and has a full figured dragonfly or butterfly in dark green.  The frame is open under the dragonfly (this can be best seen from the interior view of the purse).  It is in excellent condition throughout.  Measures 5-1/4" wide at hinges x 9-1/2" long from clasp to bottom of the intertwined looped fringe.


Very RARE
Figural Petitpoint Purse
"Lady on Sofa"
with Beaded Fringe &
Ornately Jeweled Frame


Figural Beaded Purse

Click on Photo for More Images

rosetteThis one is a rare combination of petitpoint and beaded fringe.  Tiny petitpoint stitches make up a wonderful portrait of a lady reclining on a sofa while three gents surround her.  It appears the seated one in the foreground is reading to her from a book.  There just HAS to be a story behind this one and that will be my challenge to find out... if anyone knows what this scene is portraying, please feel free to email me.  I feel it has to have some historical significance.  The frame is heavily jeweled in topaz, emerald and sapphire stones.  The bottom is finished in intertwined glass-beaded looped fringe.  It is a real treasure and one I am quite proud to own.  Size is also quite large ... 7" wide x 12" long.

rosetteNote: Due to another collector's generous offer, I was persuaded to part with this lovely purse so it is no longer in my collection. I do miss it!


Very RARE
Continuous Scenic Purse
with Historic Tavern Hunt Scene



Scenic Beaded Purse

Click on Photos for More Images

rosetteThis is the pride of my collection!  A very rare purse done in a full 360 degree portrait in exquisite detail.  The old gold frame has an embossed Art Nouveau design and two sapphire blue jewels set on either side of a raised decoration.  The purse itself is full-bodied with tiny tucks across the top giving it a draping look. The scene is done in very tiny beads in vibrant colors and depicts a man and woman (possibly an innkeeper and his wife) chatting with two gentlemen seated at an outdoor table enjoying their lunch while another gentleman stands alongside.  There are three hunting dogs frolicking at their feet in the street.  Following along that same street, you will come to a street sign with a picture on top (possibly the tavern sign) and a soldier on horseback with his rifle.  This continues around to the front of the purse again.  All in all, there are six people, three dogs, a horse, a house, and detail unsurpassed in any purse I have seen.  My very favorite piece!

rosetteNote: Due to another collector's generous offer, I was persuaded to part with this lovely purse so it is no longer in my collection. I do miss it!

Scenic
Venetian Bead with the
Most Ornate Jeweled Frame
I've Ever Seen!



Scenic Beaded Purse

Click on Photo for More Images

rosetteThis is one of my faves ... the enameled jeweled frame is the most fabulous one I have ever run across ... bar none!  Purse is done in tiny Venetian beads and depicts a columned portico nestled in a hilltop glade overlooking a lake and snow-capped mountains.  The fringe has three different colors picked up from the purse, and there is a flower garden in the foreground with a pathway going through a gate opening in a wall.  Abounds with intricate color changes and detail!  The frame is richly jeweled and enameled, the clasp has a one inch diameter carnelian, and there are enameled jeweled flowers in the chainlink handle.  It is absolutely mint and an outstanding piece!


Mid-1800's 
Double Sided Pictorial 
with Unusual Frame
 & Tassle Fringe

Pictorial Purse

Pictorial Purse

Click on Photos for More Images

rosetteA recent acquisition but one that I just love!  The frame on this one is swag-shaped with raised rosettes on both front ant back.  The bottom has two steel-bead tassles that match the frame.  But what makes this one exeptional is that each side features a different floral arrangement ... one side pictures a basket of flowers while the other pictures a graceful urn.  Green acanthus leaf border outlines the purse.   


RARE
PINK Mandalian
Lustro-Pearl Mesh Purse
with Figural Bird Clasp


Mandalian Mesh Purse

Click on Photo for More Images

rosettePink backgrounds and fringe are almost non-existent to find in Mandalian ... it took me over a year to find my first one!  This one has the lustro-pearl finish and vibrant colors of soft pink, bright pink, teal, and black.  Teardrop dangles are also pink.  Bright gold frame features two birds in the clasp.  Interior is lined in fuchsia silk.  One of my newest faves!  Measures 4-1/2" wide x 9" long overall.


Gloria Bracelet
Mandalian with
Birds of Paradise and
RARE Enameled Clasp

Click for Enlargement

Frame

Click on Photo for More Images

rosetteOne of my finest pieces ... a rare Mandalian Gloria "bracelet" style mesh purse with pair of Birds of Paradise on front but ... best of all ... a rarely found enameled clasp.  Fringe is thick and full and purse is in exceedingly fine condition.  Lined in silk.  Measures 4" wide x 8" long.


Figural Courting Couple
Venetian Beaded Purse with Ornate Cherub Frame

Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Frame

Click on Photo for More Images

rosetteSo romantic!  This courting couple appears ready to go to a ball as the gentleman extends his hand to his lady.   Both are elegantly garbed, she with her upswept hair and jeweled tiara, he with his stockinged legs and ruffled topcoat.  The lady has just come out through a stoned walled courtyard, and you can see her mansion in the background.  Fringe is done in four different colors from the purse, and the frame is Alpaca silver filigree with cherubs and another romantic couple in the center.  it is absolutely exquisite!  


RARE Pictorial

Mandalian Mesh

with Enameled Frame

and 21-Drops

Baby Mesh! Lustro Pearl!

Click for Close-up

Close-Up of Frame

Close-Up of Fringe

Close-Up of Interior

Click on Photo for More Images

rosetteOne of the most fabulous Mandalian mesh purses you will ever see.  The 21-drop fringe is extremely difficult to find and considered very rare.  The mesh is ultra-baby fine, and the frame is beautifully enameled in mosaic-like detail on both sides.  The design is a pictorial scene of an urn overflowing with flowers.  Interior is lined in creamy silk with four small splits but otherwise it is perfect.  Notice the way the mesh is gathered around the frame to hang in tiny little pleats giving it a fuller look.  


18th Century
Hand Made
Flowers & Lace
Puffy Silk Reticule

Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Detail

Side View

Another View of Flower Tassles

Bottom of Purse


rosetteThis is by far and away the oldest purse in my personal collection ... the sister to this one, which was about 10 years older, I gave up for sale.  But I just couldn't bear to part with the delicate silk rosebuds and hand-made laces that adorned this beautiful purse.  Dating from 1795 - 1805, the body of this purse is peach silk which has badly shattered.  However, the top portion (viewed from above in photo on left) is so gorgeous on its own that I wanted to keep it.  The tassles  at the ends of the silk drawstrings are made of hand-twisted gold wire.  The wire is actually wrapped around a core of yellow silk thread.  The metal & white laces are all handmade and applied in a swag/tassle design around the purse.  There are little flower tassles that dangle down with a handmade bow above each one.  It is absolutely a work of art!  Enjoy the close-ups of this beauty..........


RARE
Chintz & Carpet
Micro-Beaded Purse with
Ornate Filigreed Jeweled Frame

Click for Enlargement

Frame

Interior

rosetteThis stunningly gorgeous purse is done in the finest of micro-glass beads in a combination of chintz and carpet designs.  The background is an ivory white with a center bouquet of vivid blue, pink, burgundy, and goldenrod flowers.  The border is a multi-toned pink, gold, burgundy, and blue rug design.  Then this is surrounded again by a garland of pink and blue flowers.  Fringe is ivory with cobalt tips.  The frame on this purse is a killer!  Ornately filigreed with a 3" x 1" high clasp, it is set with faux sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, rubies, corals & topaz stones ... 22 in all!  Even has two little flower baskets holding the double-chain handle. Exterior is in mint condition; interior is shattered but has braided trim, original mirror and change purse.  Measures 7" wide x 10-1/2" long from top of clasp to tip of fringe. 


Whiting & Davis
Rare Venetian Lace
Baby Mesh Purse

Click for Enlargement

rosetteI looked for over a year to finally get one of these  Venetian lace baby mesh purses in this condition.  Words can't describe how beautiful and finely done these purses are until you've actually seen one.  The detail in the tiny links and openwork of the fringe makes it look exactly like  one of the finest and most delicate pieces of crocheted lace.  One of my favorite pieces!  


Island Vista
with Jeweled Frame

Click for Enlargement

Frame

Interior

rosetteAgain, one of my favorites!  Just looking at this tranquil scene reminds me of our vacation in Hawaii a few years back and transports me back to those wonderful days in tropical Paradise!  The frame on this one is encrusted with tiny jewels of pink, yellow, amethyst, blue, and red sprinkled amongst large rich teal jewels.  The fringe is done in five colors intertwined and twisted together.  The interior is lined and trimmed in French ribbon roses.    Truly an exquisite purse.


Enameled "Tango"
Vanity Purse

Click for Enlargement

Reverse Side

rosetteThis gorgeous little vanity purse was called a "tango" purse and is a truly beautiful item.  With an engraved finger ring, it has an attached compact with mirror and a separate lipstick.  Both pieces are enameled in a mint green with pink and blue roses.  The back of the compact is etched with a floral design as well.  Even the chain has little embossed links.  It is one of my favorite pieces!


Floral with Blue
Enameled & Jeweled Frame

Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Fringe

Close-Up of Frame

Close-Up of Interior

rosetteThis one has an absolutely fabulous royal blue enameled frame inlaid with jewels around the clasp.  The beadwork is of the highest quality in micro-beads intricately done in rich floral cascades.  Finished off with pink and blue intertwined beaded loop fringe.  Interior is ivory silk with smocked pocket.  Very beautiful and elegant!


MINT Mandalian
Baby Mesh Lustro Pearl
with Enameled Frame,
RARE Looped Fringe,
Original Box & Label

Click for Enlargement

rosetteWhen it comes to mesh bags, I must confess that Mandalians have won my heart.  This is a superb example of what I'm talking about ... done in baby-size mesh that is like silk to touch, with Mandalian's patented "Lustro Pearl" finish, it has a gorgeous enameled mosaic look frame and very rare looped fringe.  This is the only one of its kind that I have ever seen, and it is pictured in Lynell Schwartz's book.  It still has with it the original tag and box both signed by Mandalian.  It is a really wonderful piece!


Carpet Design
Steel-Beaded Purse with Double
Enameled Frame - Fabulous!

Click for Enlargement

rosetteColors in this purse defy photographing ... the background is deep, rich jet black with sparkly jewel colors throughout.  Due to reflection from the beads, the scan makes it look washed out.  Believe me, it is definitely vivid and vibrant in person!  Intricately woven in the tiniest of beads, both sides of this exquisite purse are identical, including the richly enameled frame which is also done in jewel tones on black.  It is completely in mint condition and one of the finest examples I have ever seen!

Note: Due to another collector's generous offer, I was persuaded to part with this lovely purse so it is no longer in my collection. I do miss it!


Tiny Cloisonne'
Chatelaine Purse

Click for Enlargement

rosetteThis beautiful little mesh cloisonne' purse is so striking with its turquoise enameled dangles, a drop of enamel on each mesh tile, and ornately done closure.  Measures a mere 3-1/2 long counting the little dangles.  One of my favorite pieces!


Amethyst
Beaded Reticule
with
Lapis Jeweled Top
Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Frame

Close-Up of Frame II

rosetteAt first glance, it doesn't look like much, but this flapper purse is done in rich amethyst colored glass beads.  The very ornate filigreed gold cap slides up the corded handle and the bag opens under neath the lid. The cap is studded with lapis stones on the top as well as around the perimeter and is also adorned with four dangling lapis drops all the way around.  Finished in a beaded tassle, it is really quite a striking purse.  


Victorian Floral
with Jeweled Frame

Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Frame

rosetteNot my most elegant bag, but it was my very first beaded purse acquisition several years ago and so has great sentimental value to me.  The best thing about it is its tiny beadwork and the gorgeous frame which is embedded with tiny jewels all the way across.  It will always be special to me! 


RARE Scenic Sailboat
in Cut Steel
Brightly Colored Beads

Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Frame

Close-Up of Interior


rosetteI know it sounds like a cliche', but believe me when I tell you that no scan or picture can possibly do justice to the beautiful, richly vibrant colors in this purse.  No matter how many ways I photographed it, it just pales in comparison to the reality.  The greens are emerald, the blues are breathtaking, and the purples are divine.  According to the book, "cut steel bags with sailboats in a water scene are hard to find."  Made in France, this lovely purse is in a class all by itself.  Measures 5-1/2" wide at frame, 6-1/2" wide at bottom, and 10" long to bottom of fringe.

Note: Due to another collector's generous offer, I was persuaded to part with this lovely purse so it is no longer in my collection. I do miss it!

Used in the book Vintage Purses at Their Best by Lynell Schwartz, Page 109


I hope you have enjoyed viewing these purses from my private collection. Now to return to the purses for sale so that you may start your own collection, simply select your category from the box below.


To View Purses we have Sold, click HERE

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