Help With Dating this Purse

[ChimpVintage]

I picked this purse up at a rummage sale about a year ago. My sense is that it is fairly old, but I'm not sure beyond that. It's about 9" wide and 6.5" tall with a short metal chain. The chain has a translucent, brown plastic ball at the end of each side and they are quite heavy. The inside seems to be a very soft leather, with a built in coin pouch and matching mirror. Any idea when it might be from?

Also, the purse has quite a bit of dust and dirt on the woven fabric outside. Any advice for cleaning it or am I better off posting as is and leaving that to the buyer?

Thanks!

 

[cmpollack]

I've never seen ball ornaments like that before--very unusual! I usually associate those hinged inner purses (and that soft kid lining) with 20s/30s purses, and the white fabric makes me think of early 20th century summer sportswear... I'm sure others will be along soon to help pin down the date.

What's the size, and have you tested the balls to see if they're Bakelite?

As for the dust/dirt--one very gentle approach would be to clean it with cornstarch. Put the purse in a large bowl, pat a thick later of cornstarch on it (maybe wrap the balls and chain handle in alum foil first), let it sit for an hour and then shake and gently brush it off.

Another approach, which I haven't tried personally, would be to gently vacuum it, perhaps through a piece of cheesecloth.

However, it is possible (maybe even likely!) that old discoloration isn't going to budge.

 

[Linn]

My reaction is C. 1930's and that the balls look very much like Bakelite - and since they are "heavy" probably are. I agree with Carrie's cleaning method. Try a gentle vacuum or brush - then cornstarch or if you have "Capture" (an upholstery and carpet cleaner) you could try using it. It's likely that the old discoloration is pretty much there to stay - but it's worth a try.

To test for Bakelite, rub one of the balls very hard until it's warm and then sniff it. If it has a chemical smell it's Bakelite.

 

[ChimpVintage]

The balls are about 1.5" in diameter. I did the hot water test and they definitely have the formaldehyde smell so I think you are right about them being Bakelite. Thanks for the information and advice! 1930s was my hunch but I wasn't sure - I'd be interested to know if anyone has other ideas about its time period.