Compact purse - 50s or 70s?

[themerchantsofvintage]

I have one of these from the 50s, but I'm not sure about this one. Brushed metal on the outside, cigarette compartment behind mirror, comb, powder and pill box compartment (I think) etc. No markings. Did these make a comeback in the 70s or is this 50s?

Thanks!

 

[thevintagebungalow]

I really like that! There is something about it that says later to me. It will be interesting to see what others say.

 

[trellandjesus]

It looks later to me as well.

 

[Coutureallure]

I definitely think 50s - early 60s on this. Pressed powder was out by the 70's. Is there a slot for coins? If so, will it hold a nickel, a dime, or a quarter? The older vanity purses dating from the 40s hold a nickle for a phone call. And I've seen some from the later 50's early 60's that hold a dime.

 

[themerchantsofvintage]

Thanks, ya'll!

There's no slot for a coin Jody - just what appears to be a little change purse (or was that for a hankie???).

 

[cmpollack]

Looks 50s to me, Deborah... Cigarette and loose powder compartments are stock features of these carryall purses, which as far as I know didn't survive into (or get revived in!) the 70s.

That little snap purse is unusual! (And I bet it was for coins, though I suppose a hanky would have fit as well...)

 

[themerchantsofvintage]

Thanks, Carrie! 50s it is.

 

[Coutureallure]

It could have been for one of those folding plastic rain bonnets, too.

 

[themerchantsofvintage]

Aha! Yes, that makes sense - perfect size for one.

Thanks again, Jody!

 

[catseyevintage]

I used to collect these compact carryalls and often saw little faux tortoiseshell combs inside the felt snap bags. Although it looks like yours has a comb clipped in front of the mirror?

 

[themerchantsofvintage]

Yes, it does - a clear plastic one.

 

[catseyevintage]

Hummm....

The pouchette is probably for money (bills) then ~

Are they any markings anywhere on the metal parts of the carryall?

Is that a little bottle in the compartment below the pressed powder?

~ Debbie

 

[catseyevintage]

I'm sorry ~ I just re-read your first post and see there are no markings.

~ Debbie

 

[catseyevintage]

I have the 1996 edition of Laura Mueller's book ~ Compacts, Carryalls & Face Powder Boxes ~ there is a picture on page 141 of a compact carryall with the identical interior as yours. She calls the pouchette a "gray flannel coin purse". Hers is also unmarked and Laura doesn't id the maker.

~ Debbie

 

[trellandjesus]

What era is Laura saying its from?

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

wow! that is fabulous! good luck w/her!!

 

[catseyevintage]

Originally posted by trell
What era is Laura saying its from?

Laura doesn't give a specific date on this one ~ however others that are very similar are dated as mid-late 50s.

I notice that Laura often uses old magazine ads to definitively date compacts.

Anyway this is a great book with large clear pictures and descriptions ~ I highly recommend it to anyone interested in compacts or compact/carryalls. I believe there is a later edition out than my 1996 version.

~ Debbie

 

[themerchantsofvintage]

Thanks, Debbie! Yes, what era, if any?

 

[catseyevintage]

With the felt money pouchette and it's being identical to ones in Laura's book, I would say definitely 50s.

I collected compacts and compacts/carryalls for about ten years and yours looks 50s to me, and in near mint condition.

I think women would buy these, or were given them as gifts, and they often sat in dresser drawers unused for years ~ ones that were actually used became scratched, mirrors discolored, etc.

I have never seen one with this type of interior that was 70s. The 70s metal purses I've seen did not have interior compartments like the older ones and were usually lined with a rayon grosgrain like fabric.

~ Debbie

 

[themerchantsofvintage]

Sorry, Debbie! We crossed posted earlier - thanks for all the great info!

Thanks everyone! Ya'll rock!