Help With Tiny Beaded Bag?

[Elisa]

This is a tiny but very heavy beaded bag a friend gave me that was probably her grandmother's. Is there a name for this besides "tiny beaded bag"? I'm guessing 1920s. The inside is satin, but coming apart a bit, and the outer pearl clasp is faux. Thanks for any help!

 

[vertugarde]

This is known as an envelope bag. It could be from the 1920's. The colours of the beads seem to suggest the period. Beaded evening bags in that style and design were also very popular in the 1930's. How tiny is it? Are there compartments inside?

I'm not sure about the fastening. The pearl was added later. It may have had a press-stud or a loop. You might be able to tell.

Here is an envelope bag to compare;

http://tinyurl.com/6xyr22

 

[Elisa]

Thanks! The link did not work, but I am still grateful for the info. I don't have it in front of me, but I'd guess it at about 2 inches by 4 inches.

 

[Elisa]

After very close examination, I can see that the pearl is on a loop fastener, which has not punctured the satin inside. Does that mean it was an original part of the bag? The hundreds of beads are metal, and both round and faceted. There are no compartments inside, or any writing. It measures 2 inches by 3 inches. The hole where the pearl fastens is damaged, as you can see in the photo.

 

[vertugarde]

It is a coin purse probably home-made as beading was a very popular pastime. Hard to say if the loop is original.

Yes, for some reason the links to that site don't seem to be working today. You will find lots of examples though if you search 'beaded coin purse.'

 

[Elisa]

That would make sense. This is from an estate (it's on my "About Me" Ebay page) from the mother of my best friend. My best friend's grandmother was a professional seamstress who got married in 1916, and you should SEE the wedding gown! It is jaw-dropping, and my friend has kept it museum-quality. (Also incredibly tiny.) So her grandmother probably made this coin purse. Thank you all so much!