Dating a frame bag by Vanity Fayre

[Magpie]

Hello all.I have a lovely tan frame bag with which is either real or very good quality inimation leather (if you can identify which please do tell me) with suede (or faux suede) lining. The bag is by Vanity Fayre but I have not been able to find any information on this brand. From the label design and general look and feel of the bag I estimate it at 1950s or 1960s, can anyone confirm?

 

[Pinkcoke]

I would agree with late 50's - 60's. Although you can't be absolutely certain without holding it (smelling it is the best way, unless it's been in a smoking household) I think it is real leather, the wear on the edges looks right as well as the variation in colour between the main parts and handles etc. If it were faux you'd find it was cracking at the fold points in the sides inside (I don't think your bag is lined, it would appear to be the back of the leather)

 

[retro ruth]

It looks like leather to me, by those small scuffs on the outside near the clasp, and a real suede interior too. There is a small tear in the suede near the label so looking at the reverse of that should tell you more. Generally if a bag has a real suede lining it will be a real leather or other skin bag.

Looks 60s to me, but how big is it? I think frame handbags generally got a bit larger going into the 60s.

 

[Magpie]

I would agree with late 50's - 60's. Although you can't be absolutely certain without holding it (smelling it is the best way, unless it's been in a smoking household) I think it is real leather, the wear on the edges looks right as well as the variation in colour between the main parts and handles etc. If it were faux you'd find it was cracking at the fold points in the sides inside (I don't think your bag is lined, it would appear to be the back of the leather)

Thanks Melanie, I thought so.
Ah, I see where you're coming from but it's definately lined, there are in fact three layers; the outer side of the leather wills away from the suede, a hard layer of card or similar for reinforment sandwiched between and then the suede finish inside and the ends if the handles are between too.

From what you both said I have found a piece of the back of the leather finish where the stitching has come loose on the handle, this seems to be the only place where there is a faint leather-like odour but the fabric/leather is very thin and with quite a clean edge, there is a laver of cotton inside the handle (perhaps for extra strength) too.

Sizewise it is 30cm x 24cm x approx 6cm.
I'll see if i can get some closer shots

 

[retro ruth]

I'd say that size puts it into the 60s.

The back of the leather should look like suede. If the back is bonded to a fabric weave it is faux.

 

[Magpie]

Hello again,
I have managed to take two closer pictures with my startphone to try and show the detail of the fabric. As I have just got some in my eyes (ouch) I can also tell you that the bag is giving of a miniscule tan dust.

 

[retro ruth]

It looks like leather to me.

 

[Magpie]

Thank you! Have you experienced a fine fibrous dust coming from leather before?

 

[retro ruth]

No I don't think so. But that dust may be coming from whatever was interlining the bag.

 

[Magpie]

I just stuck my finger inside. I think you're right. Thank you for all your help

 

[retro ruth]

You are welcome! I'm in London too by the way.

 

[Magpie]

You are? Whereabouts? I'm in the South East. Perhaps we have attended some of the same events.

 

[retro ruth]

Perhaps we have! I live in North London, in Bounds Green, so most of my vintage events are North or Central, though my partner lives is in South London, near Crystal Palace.

 

[Magpie]

Can't say I go to eother of those places often. But I will certainly look out for you at my next vintage fair!