This is a darling little steel-beaded envelope style purse with a double row of jewels on the front and a single row on back.  The jewels are bezel set and they are all there.  No holes or splits in the beads ... it is in very good condition.  There is one spot on the back that I will try to touch up with some gold leaf.  The beads are gold, silver, and a bronze color which makes the pattern.  The handle is done in the same beads and is in perfect condition.  There is a little label inside which says Made in France (hard to photograph but it is there).  Purse is lined and has a little snap to close it.  There is also a small strip of wood inside the lining across the top to help hold its shape.  Just a beautiful little purse and perfect for display!  Measures 5-1/4" x 3-5/8" x 8" to top of handle when hanging.

(Click on pic for more photos.)

This is a darling little steel-beaded envelope style purse done in silver beads with navy blue and bronze beads making up the Egyptian design with a bird on the flap.  The fringes are done in silver, bronze and blue.  Overall it is in excellent condition with a small area on the back that has been reinforced (looks a bit lighter in photos).  There is one tiny area of rust on the front lower right ... I will try to touch this up with some silver leaf.  The handle is done in the same beads and is in perfect condition.  The fringe is quite nice ... there are two strands missing but they really aren't very noticeable at all.  Just a beautiful little purse and perfect for display!  Measures 5-3/4" wide x 4" high not counting fringe.  With fringe it is 5-1/2" and 118" to top of handle when hanging.

(Click on pic for more photos.)

This beautiful early 1900's scenic beaded purse boasts a colorful scene depicting a village with a bridge over a lake with swans swimming around.  The bottom of the purse has a panel in deep red with gold and blue flowers sprinkled across.  Both sides feature the same scene and there is no side seam ... it flows seamless from one side to the other.  The frame is embossed sterling vermeil made by Napier (signed on the inside) and it still retains its original taupe lining with two pockets.  The fringe is done in a dark brown in twisted interlocking loops. It is in excellent condition throughout with possibly a bead or two missing here and there but nothing that is obvious or not intentional in the design.   Measures 5-1/2" wide x 8-3/4" long to bottom of fringe.

First Time Offered!

(Click on pic for more photos.)

This gorgeous micro-beaded purse has the most beautiful blue and teal colors on a creamy white background.  I just love the blue "hearts" and teal bluebells in between.  If you love blue, like I do, this purse is a must-have for you!  The frame is filigreed and has 6 malachite jewels across the front and two full-figured dragons on each corner as well as two full-figured swans holding the chain handle.  Really beautifully done.  The bottom is finished in a lovely intertwined looped fringe in colors from the purse.  The interior has been newly relined in a pretty silk with braided trim.  Entire purse is in absolutely pristine condition with no damage whatsoever.  Measures 6" wide at the frame x 10-1/2" long to bottom of fringe. 

First time offered!

(Click on pic for more photos.)

This lovely purse features another rendition of the ever-popular "La Camargo Dancing" painting done by Nicolas Lancret in 1730.  The purse is identical on both front and back but with the couple reversed on the other side.  There is no "front" or "back" as the frame is the same on both sides so you can display the purse in whichever orientation you prefer.  The frame is extremely detailed with dozens of teeny little jewels ... too many for my old eyes to count ... and a lapis jeweled kiss clasp.  That being said, there may be a tiny stone missing here and there but all of the largest, most visible ones are there.  The bottom is finished in a lovely multi-colored intertwined looped fringe in several colors from the purse.  Interior is a very pretty taupe color with pretty matching braided trim in excellent condition.  Now for the apologies:  there is a section along the side edge that has a repair that is fairly obvious but from a distance is not objectionable.  It is a bit fragile and looks better on one side than the other.  Based on that, I am pricing this purse at my cost as I have enjoyed it long enough in my collection.  Bear in mind that if this purse was in perfect condition, with the double-sided jeweled frame, it would easily be twice as much.  Measures 6-1/4" wide x 11-1/4" long from top of clasp to bottom of fringe.

First time offered!

(Click on pic for more photos.)

This lovely beaded purse depicts, I believe, the Chillon Castle located on Lake Geneva in Switzerland.  It is one of the biggest purses I have ever had and quite striking in its bold colors and tranquil scene.  The scene is the same on both sides.  It is topped by a silver metal frame which may have been silverplated but shows wear and has four jewels spread across (pink, green, red and blue).  The fringe is long and lush and made of p intertwined loops in 5 different colors from the purse.  Interior features a newer burgundy silk lining with green silk French ribbon roses trim.  Overall it is in great condition with only one tiny bead missing in the upper right corner.  There is a very very fain "stain" on the upper left corner on the front and on the back is an area of a bit darker marks near the mountains in the light background.  I have added photos showing all of these but they are very indistinct and not at all detracting to the purse as they are all very faint.  Because of these very minor apologies, the price on this one is very affordable for a scenic castle with jeweled frame purse. Also note that the bottom is slightly higher in the middle than the sides ... not sure why this is but it is original that way.  It can be gently pulled down to hang level so if a small weight was placed inside it would be fine.  Measures a whopping 10-1/8" wide at frame x 13" long (not counting clasp).

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

Pictures simply do not do justice to the beautiful colors in this precious little reticule.  The body is done in stripes of a lovely lilac/lavender color with pale pink and darker pink in varying widths.  Sprinkled throughout are flowers  ... a rosebud, daffodil, and lily of the valley.  The crocheted collar with original drawstring is still intact and is in fantastic condition.  The purse is finished off with interlocking twisted fringe in lavender and dark pink colors from the purse.  The pale pink silk lining has a ruched pocket and bears the original Made in Germany label; however, it is beginning to shatter and I would not recommend trying to use it.  I wanted to keep it intact for sake of originality.  Beadwork is all in excellent condition to my eye.  Measures 5" wide at widest point x 7" long to bottom of fringe.

(Click on pic for more photos.)

I absolutely love this steel-beaded reticule ... it is by far the best made of all these types of purses I have ever owned.  The beads are VERY tiny and they must have been woven on very sturdy threads as there is absolutely no weakness or splits in the rows at all.  And there is zero -- I mean NO -- rust to any of the beads.  The colors are a soft gold background with a collar of alternating royal blue stripes.  There is a center band in light silver with rose and green flowers.  The bottom of the purse is designed to hang in a pouch and has a four-directional fringe done in gold with tiny royal blue looped tips.  But what I really love is that there is a rose and a rosebuds in each of the four sections around the bottom.  Very unique and pretty!  The purse also has a very rare handle design ... you pull the drawstrings together as is typical but there is a separate, beaded handle for carrying.  The handle portion is lined in a matching blue backing.  This purse is in such pristine condition that I almost would say it had never been used.  The original goldlining is still intact in perfect condition as well. Measures approximately 6 " wide x 7" long when laying flat.  Hanging it is 12" overall.  Note:  I have posted many different pictures from several different angles so please be sure to look at all.

(Click on pic for more photos.)

This gorgeous micro-beaded floral purse has been in my collection since 1998!  I just love the colors on it and the frame is beyond amazing.  The background on the purse is an ivory or cream color and the center vignette has the prettiest shade of robins egg aqua blue with big pink flowers in bloom.  Topped off with that gorgeous jeweled frame which is 3-dimensional filigree with emerald and pink bezel-set stones across the top and bottom and a center row of pearls -- 35 jewels in all.  It is truly spectacular!  The bottom of the purse is finished off in lush long interlocking twisted fringe in 12 color changes ... very intricate!  And all in perfect shape!  Inside lining looks like a re-do but has been this way as long as I have owned it and it is in perfect shape.  In fact, the entire purse is in fabulous condition with no apologies whatsoever.  It is a very large purse and has a double chain handle ... the frame actually has loops for the handle on both front and back.  A classic beauty sure to be a standout in any collection.  Measures 8" wide at the frame x 11-1/2" long to bottom of fringe.  The filigreed jeweled part of the frame is almost 1" high.

First time offered!

(Click on pic for more photos.)

This is a very unique and beautifully done beaded reticule using teal glass beads on a taupe background.  The design is done in a way that there is a woman's face in the center panel and the taupe background (left unbeaded deliberately for design) shapes her hair.  There are two rows of hearts at the top and geometric designs around the edges. Both sides are identical.  I have never seen another even remotely like this in all my years of collecting and I just love it!  The interior is lined in a dark olive silk and the silk drawcords thread through little metal rings.  I believe the lining and the cords are original to the purse.  The purse is finished off with a fancy bell shaped tassel fringe.  Overall it is in excellent condition with no damage or apologies of any kind.  Pretty much perfection!  Measures approximately 6 " wide x 12" long overall.

(Click on pic for more photos.)

I had bought this purse in another antique shop many years ago (13 to be exact!).  It did not have a fringe and the lining was shattered.  But I loved the design and always intended to have it repaired.  Well, I did that and then tucked it away and forgot I even had it only for it to resurface during a recent cleaning binge.  So I am offering it up for sale.  The frame is jeweled and enameled and was on the purse when I bought it but I suspect it was changed from a reticule to a frame in the early 1900's to "update" it.  The fringe was professionally done several years ago by a beaded purse restorer in the exact colors of the purse.  She added new lining then as well.  The body of the purse is in overall excellent condition with a few beads missing along the right hand frame (visible in pics) and a few other scattered ones here and there that I think were done that way for effect.  It is really a lovely little purse and has the same scene on both sides.  Measures 5" wide at frame x almost 10" long from clasp to fringe.

First time offered!

(Click on pic for more photos.)

Here is another beautiful beaded purse I have had in my collection for many years (since 2006!).  It has a very unusual design in that it has a floral band in the center but there are bands above and below this that have circles and dots reminiscent of Art Deco designs.  The purse is gathered at the top so that it is much wider at the base.  The frame is one of the nicest I have had with dozens of jewels and seed pearls scattered throughout and topped with a fantastic stand-up jeweled clasp.  The colors in the frame are amethyst, topaz and ruby and have large malachite cabochons (4 to be exact).  The interior is lined in a pale rose gold silk in perfect condition with a beautiful wire braided trim.  The fringe is done in clear beads like the background of the purse.  Upon close inspection there are two very small, very early repairs that are almost impossible to notice.  I have included close-ups of each on the photos.   Other than those, it is perfect!  Measures 6-1/2" wide at frame x 8-3/4" wide at bottom x 12" long overall.

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

I have had this adorable scenic mill reticule beaded purse for many years awaiting the perfect frame for it and finally came upon this one so I had it added to the purse.  I think it sets it off perfectly! The apple green fringe is also newly added in the exact shade of green and the same beads as in the body of the purse, again picking up the colors of the purse and the frame perfectly.  The back of the purse has the same scene.  Interior is lined and is in excellent condition.  As for the purse, there are some very minor early repairs that were professionally made in the brown background that are exceptionally well done.  Here and there scattered throughout are single beads missing but it appears this was intentional in the design to give contrast.  The only other things worth mentioning are the frame ... the one jewel on the clasp has a very teeny flake that you can feel rather than see as it is so small.  There are 48 jewels in the frame and 2 in the clasp with 3 teeny seed pearls missing.  And the frame is slightly askew when looking from the back (see photos).  The clasp does not snap tightly but when hanging, it stays together fine.  All of these are taken into consideration with pricing.   Measures 6" wide at frame x 7" wide at bottom x 10-1/2" long overall.

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is a fun beaded purse in abstract deco design.  It is a sturdily built purse in great condition that could be used without worry.  The black glass beads in the background sparkle like jewels and the designs stand out much more in person than in the photos.  My favorite part is the cool drink at the bottom with the melon slice behind it.  Frame is enameled and jeweled but missing the two corner stones.  Interior is lined in black silk.  All original and all in good condition with no damage in the beadwork that I can find.  Measures 7-1/2" at bottom x 8-1/2" long.   Frame alone is worth the asking price ...

(Click on pic for more photos.)

This stunning beaded purse is about as perfect as they come.  Beautiful brightly colored scene of a butterfly flitting amongst a ring of blossoms in every color of the rainbow ... blue, orange, purple, yellow, pink, green, and gold (same design on back).  The fringe is done in beige to match the background of the purse and each fringe is tipped in alternating blue and deep purple.  The filigreed jeweled frame is beautiful with facet-cut faux stones of ruby and sapphire.  Interior is lined in taupe silk in perfect condition.  This love purse measures 6" wide  at frame x 11" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $1,200. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is an adorable beaded purse picturing a rustic village scene with an old mill built over the water ... the wheel can be seen along the left side behind the trees.  The same scene is on both sides.  Beautiful embossed gold frame has enameled white flowers on the front ... back is same without enameling.  There are two full-bodied swans holding the chainlink handle.  Nice interlocking fringe finishes off the bottom.  There are a few missing beads scattered throughout but nothing that distracts or isn oticeable in the design.  It is really a lovely purse.  Interior is lined in beige silk which is shattering with age.  Measures 5-1/2" wide at frame x 9-1-/2" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $1,295. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is an extremely fine condition 1800's tiny-glass-beaded purse with the same scene on both sides. Usually these are found with a town scene on the bottom and a floral band in the center; this one has a village scene on the bottom and an old mill by a river with a bridge in the center. The colors are rich and bright with a deep ruby shade as the background on the bottom and across the top in a thin stripe. There are bright gold beads sprinkled throughout that sparkle wonderfully. The top and ribbon pull cord are done in brown silk which appears to be original to the bag, and the interior is lined in ecru cotton which also appears original.  Bottom fringe is all intact. There is only one almost invisible (less than 1/32") repair near top edge, other than that every thing is perfect!  Measures 5-1/2" wide x 10" long.  A wonderful piece of our American heritage!

Previously listed at $1,099. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This beaded purse is rather interesting in that it has a frame unlike any I have run across.  Not so much the figural winged griffins (four altogether), but the way the purse closes.  There is a little flip-over clasp that holds it closed.  There was a pendant pull at one time but is long gone.  Interior of purse retains its original silk lining with pretty French silk ribbon roses ... all original and lining is split in several places but still intact.  Fringe is all original and in great shape with no damage.  There is one early repair area just beneath the hinge on back side (visible in first pic above).  Other than that, purse is in great shape and very pretty.  Frame is unmarked but tarnishes like silver.  Measures 7-1/2" wide at frame and wider across bottom x almost 12" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $795. (Click on pic for more photos.)

Here we have a real showstopper!  A micro-beaded carpet design reticule style purse in lovely soft colors tiny as grains of sand.  This lovely purse is in MINT condition and still retains its moire' silk lining and drawcord.  Ooh la la!  If you like knitted reticule purses in pastel colors (which I do), they don't get much better than this! Measures 5-1/2" wide x 8" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $995 ... now offered below my cost! (Click on pic for more photos.)

This purse comes from a collection I purchased from a town near Rochester, New York.  These purses had belonged to the owner's grandmother and two were dated before 1894.  The others were believed to be from around 1900 and this is one of the purses from the collection.   Done in small size glass beads mostly in shades of blue with a crystal (white) center portion with roses ... turquoise blue interlocking fringe completes the look.  Original crocheted header and drawcord are in very good condition.  Interior is lined in blue silk which has one split ... otherwise very good.  Body of purse is excellent with only sporadic single beads missing hear and there ... some appear to be part of the design as they are symmetrical.  Everything is original on this purse ... the original design probably was meant for a frame as there is about a 2" seam on either side where a frame could have been placed (visible in pic).  The original maker never used it that way and closed the seams for the reticule style instead.  It's just a gorgeous purse!   Measures approximately 6" wide x 9" long overall.

Previously listed at $799. (Click on pic for more photos.)

Micro-Beaded Art Deco Inspired Floral with a Flare Circa 1920

This purse was ACTUALLY used in the book Vintage Purses at Their Best by Lynell Schwartz on Page 30.

Super tiny beads (over 550 psi) make up this wonderful art deco inspired floral in an abstract design.  Notice how the bottom flares outward ... according to the book, this was difficult to create.  The silver engraved frame is enameled with black diamond designs on both sides, and the clasp is set with two jet cabochons.  This is an exquisite purse that would be in mint condition if it weren't for the lining.  The original ivory silk is all there but is frayed considerably and could not be used.  However, for the sake of originality, we are leaving it untouched.  Fringe is done in tightly intertwined beaded loops.  Measures 5-1/2" wide at frame, 6-1/2" wide at bottom, and 10" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $850. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is a very unusual scenic beaded purse depicting a village nestled amongst the trees on a rare white background.  The bottom of the purse is rounded and edged with a thick lush fringe in white beads that match the body of the purse.  The frame on this one is nickel silver and richly embossed with mythological figures of chariots, Egyptian goddesses, winged griffins, warriors, and a water bearer.  The interior is lined in white silk in perfect condition ... appears to be a recent replacement.  The beadwork is in excellent condition with no missing beads or repairs other than perhaps a strand or two of the fringe missing.  However, it is so thick that you don't even notice it.  It measures 6" wide x 11" long.

Previously listed at $899. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This purse comes from a collection I purchased from a town near Rochester, New York.  These purses had belonged to the owner's grandmother and two were dated before 1894. The others were believed to be from around turn-of-the-century and this is one of the purses from the collection.  This lovely little  purse has a cameo design of a flower basket within a wreath on the front and back.  A rosebud wallpaper background covers the rest of the purse.  Lovely embossed frame with gold gilt finishes the top.  Interior is lined in suede with a little pocket.  Unfortunately, this one needs a little TLC.  The fringe is missing several strands and there is some beadloss on the body of the bag.  One one side, the only loss is right near the frame.  On the other, there is a crescent-shaped section about 3/4" x 1/4" ... the color blends in well with the purse and I didn't even notice it until I looked it over carefully.  It is still a beautiful little purse with wonderful eye appeal!   Measures 6" wide x 8-1/2" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $399. (Click on pic for more photos.)

Here we have one of the prettiest French beaded envelope style purses I have ever run across.  These are usually done in steel or aluminum beads, but this one is done in white glass beads with the accent colors in steel beads.  And the contrast is just gorgeous!  The pretty diagonal design is done in mainly gold and silver in the center and the corners have abstract flowers in pale green and pink.  The color variances are subtle yet beautiful.  Back is solid white.  Handle is beaded and is in perfect condition.  Interior is lined in muslin.  Entire purse is in excellent condition with no bead loss or damage whatsoever that I can see.  Measures 5-1/4" wide x 7-1/2" long not counting handle.

Previously listed at $325. (Click on pic for more photos.)

Here we have a real beauty!  Just look at the colors in the fantastic fringe ... periwinkle blue, green and black from the purse.  The design is an abstract floral with a center cartouche and bordered trim.  The interior is lined in blue silk with braided trim border that is in such perfect condition it looks new; however, it may very well be original as I discern no signs of replacement.  The colors are all vivid and bright, and the entire purse is in MINT condition!  They don't come any better than this.  Measures 7" wide x 9-1/2" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $699. (Click on pic for more photos.)

Figural New England Coastal Village 'Looking Out to Sea' Beaded Reticule from Caldwell Collection (Historical Provenance)

This lovely beaded purse came from a historical collection of beaded reticule purses sold at a New England auction house.  The purses offered were originally created by Elisa V. Caldwell and were dated circa 1832.  Many of the purses went for $1,500 and up; however, I was fortunate enough to snag a few of them.  Some are not completely finished (ie., collars not put on), but the designs are exquisite and worthy of display.  You would never want to use purses such as these anyway ... they are much too valuable and are true antiquities.  I hope you will find owning a piece of authentic Americana as enjoyable as I do :-).  The picture immediately below is of one of the purses I was unable to purchase but did show the only one that had the maker's name and date.  I am presenting it here as part of the provenance of this wonderful collection.

Click on image to read the details and provenance.

The purse being offered here on the left is one of the ones that was never finished ... called 'Looking Out to Sea',  this purse features a would-be sailor looking through a scope out to the ocean.  A fishing village with church and lighthouse? can be seen as well as seagulls overhead.  Bottom portion features blue forget-me-nots.  There is a pretty lattice fringe added to this one which may have been put on later as the beads are not found in the original work.  Interior is lined in ivory silk which has a few small splits. There is one small area where there may be one or two beads missing (visible in pic), otherwise this one is in pretty good shape.  Original auction photos included in the pics.  Measures 6" wide x 9" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $599. (Click on pic for more photos.)

These historic 3-part beaded purses date from the early to mid 1800's and are called 3-part due to the three distinct sections: top border with sawtooth edge, center scenic/figural portion with sawtooth edge, and bottom panel usually done in floral.  Top and bottom sections are usually always done in a deep burgundy shade.  This one is unusual in that the scene in the center depicts a castle, a double arch bridge, and a figure in the foreground.  Along the top border we have an animal of some type -- perhaps a chicken??  Same scene on front and back.   Everything about this purse is mint, from the crocheted dark brown header to the simple loop fringe.  Even the interior soft suede lining is in perfect shape!  Rarely found in this condition and with this type of scene ...  Measures 6" wide x 10" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $799. (Click on pic for more photos.)

Here is an adorable little beaded reticule from the Civil War era.  Done in typical 3-part design, this one features a top border with dogs and houses, a center floral panel, and a village scene on the bottom.  Finished with tiny intertwined looped fringe, it is a real cutie! The silk collar and draw-ribbon are original to the piece as is the cotton muslin lining.  There are some very tiny older repairs, barely noticeable, that are normally found on purses of this age.  Measures 5-3/4" wide x 7-1/2" long to bottom of fringe.  It is truly a delight and a wonderful piece of our American heritage!

Previously listed at $799. (Click on pic for more photos.)