dating on a small beaded purse/bag

retro ruth

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Staff member
Can anyone help me date this beaded bag? It has a metal YKK zipper. It measures 8 x 4 inches.

And do you think it had a particular purpose, ie is it simply a small clutch bag, or something specific such as for gloves?

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Thanks as ever

Ruth
 
It is a small evening bag, clutch style. Most of these were made in Japan. They were very popular in the 1950's. Just big enough to hold your compact and a few dollars. Women could hold them while dancing. I can't help much with the dating other than to guess after WWII through the 50's.
 
I've seen them equally divided amongst being made in Japan and in Hong Kong. If you don't have a tag with the country of origin, I find it's safest to say that it could have been made in either. I've seen a handful from other countries, usually Germany or Italy, but by far they're made in Japan or Hong Kong.

I'm not sure, but I "think" the ones I've had that have been marked Japan seem to be a little older than the Hong Kong ones. That may not mean anything overall, just something in my own experience.
 
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