Help dating this Jemco handbag, thanks!

[Tabbyannabel]

I recently got a box of a handful of small handbags. They were tagged as all vintage, although the "made in china" label in one of them made me doubt that information!

Anyways, in the box there was this Jemco handbag. I'm thinking it's 1920s but wanted a more expert opinion. Also, would you polish the frame (silver plate not sterling) or leave it as is?

Cheers,
Tina

 

[morning-glorious]

I've had a few of these, I believe they are 1930s.

 

[Vinclothes]

Crocheted handbags were popular in the 40's and 50's. Does the frame open into a square? It is probably much older and may be more collectible than the bag itself.
Marian

 

[Tabbyannabel]

Funnily as included in the box was a 1940s crocheted clutch! Yes, the bag does open into a square. Do you think it's an older frame on a 1940s bag?

 

[Pinkcoke]

From the 30's onwards these crochet bags were sold as kits, you would crochet your own bag onto a frame, which could have come with the kit or be an older frame.

 

[Tabbyannabel]

Thanks, that makes sense. I know Jemco were known for their frames and not necessarily for "handbags" so perhaps they had one lying around or the older bag got ruined and they made a new one. It's the historian in me that makes me wonder the history of an item. Who owned it, made it and if they loved it!