Dating help for a couple vintage purses

queen0ftheang3ls

queen0ftheang3ls

Registered Guest
I have a hard time dating vintage purses! Can anyone lend a hand?

This Margolin purse uses a different label than I've ever seen except one - I found a bag identical to this listed online, but the seller didn't list any dating information. Any guesses?

(click for bigger)







Also, this cute black snakeskin purse - I've seen a lot of purses done in this basic style listed online, but with dates ranging anywhere from the 40s to the 70s. Is there any way to narrow it down? It has no labels or tags, but the lining is suede and the zipper pull has a cute little picture of a butterfly stamped on it.





Thanks!
 
the first one with the twisty clamp and adj handle is 60s.

and the suede interior on your second one has me thinking its earlier than later, although, you're right, they're very timeless.

that green interior is scrumpdillyicious. yum.
 
I agree with Mary on the 1st one.

As far as the second, I have had suede lined bags that were 50s, 60s, 70s, 90s etc. It is not as much the sign of an era, but the sign of quality. For example, if a patent leather bag has that feature, its real leather and not vinyl. Most likely it would have been sold at a "better" department store at the very least. Do you have a photo of the butterfly?Is it in the suede or on the outside of the bag?
 
Chiming in on the first one--the shape and brass toggle closure are very 60s! (And that label inside is VERY unusual...)

I'm thinking the second one is 60s, too--that purse design with an inner frame purse surrounded by two open compartments shows up on so many 60s purses I've seen, and the interior and shape seem right for that time period also...

I agree with Chris--seeing a pic of the zipper pull might be a very helpful clue!
 
60s it is on the H. Margolin purse! It's one heckuva sturdy bag; here's hoping someone else will appreciate it like I do!

Here's a picture of the zipper on the snakeskin one:



Nifty, huh? I tried Googling a few variations of "butterfly zipper pull", but as you can imagine, that was a pretty fruitless search.

Also, there's some deterioration on the straps. Do you think it's something I could/should try to have repaired? Or just sell it as-is? I would still feel comfortable carrying it - it's not like they're a breath away from breaking or anything, but they are definitely starting to go. Here's a pic:

 
Just throwing something out, that first one's label looks just like the labels you find in military uniforms. Does it say anywhere (I can't see it well) the manufacturer.
 
I know the Navy gals had handbags that went with their straight skirts, white tailored blouses and little cap.
 
That's funny you guys should mention military - I hadn't thought of it, but now I can't see it looking like anything else. It looks very, very similar to the labels in old pea coats and whatnot. The actual text of the label reads:
"HANDBAG, WMN'S LEATHER
BLACK, BRASS HARDWARE, CLASS 1
CONT. NO. DSA100-76-C-0294
STOCK NO. 8445-00-658-0495
H. MARGOLIN & CO., INC."

Maybe H. Margolin contracted to provide handbags for military uniforms! Thanks for steering me in that direction, I'm going to do some more research on it now.
 
I'm interested in the dating on butterfly pull purse.

That detail would've had me thinking it wasn't very old. I probably would've passed it up. I'm super new to purses so dating them isn't second nature to me.

Marking this. I'm coming back to find out more on this one!
 
I just picked this exact purse up (the first one) and am now surfing for information on it myself. The label is really intriguing. Did you happen to find out any additional information?
 
I believe I have a purse with that same butterfly on zipper. Will go through in morning to see if I can find and post pic. I also tried to research but came up with zilch. Cute little butterfly tho...wish I could remember the purse it is attached to - blanking out right now. Will be interested to see if anyone chimes in with info.
 
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Goggle Bag Lady University she has a wiki and everything.. You owe yourself this treat if you are into vintage bags at all. She is the most comprehensive collection of manufacturers, industry info, and vintage purse ads... you wont be disappointed
 
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