Is this bag really from the 1930s?

[essentialvintage]

Hello everyone!

I recently bought this drawstring pouch bag from someone who told me it was from the 1930s. At first I didn't believe it to be that old, as the fabric has a modern feel. I am unsure what it is, it is cotton based but almost has a lycra feel (it is not lycra, just trying to describe it!) The seller did convince me in the end. However I still have doubts now and was wondering whether anyone might know a bit about how to tell whether a bag is genuinely old as opposed to something more recent made from a 1930s pattern!

There are some signs of age inside, where there is a discolouration to the white fabric. The bottom where the tassle is has not been hemmed and is coarsley cut. The whole bag seems to have been hand stitched extremely neatly and with very small stitches!

The bag measures approx 14" long including tassle bit.

All opinions most welcome! Many thanks.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Hmm, I'm curious about what the seller said that convinced you? It looks like a hand made costumey piece, fairly modern ('70s perhaps?). The fabric looks like polyester. I'm sorry to report that I can't see anything about it that looks to be '30s in design or construction.

One easy test is if you can be sure it's polyester (or a synthetic fabric) you know that it can't be '30s because they hadn't been invented yet.

PS, most of us learn the hard way that it's up to you to make up your own mind about datings and identification: whether it's ignorance or something worse, there are many people who will tell you incorrect information about vintage clothing.

 

[essentialvintage]

Ah, your post is very much appreciated and makes a lot of sense. Thanks for that. I think I was convinced because she did have some other items that seemed more in keeping with that period and said they were all part of the same job lot from the 1930s that she got at auction ! Just goes to show instinct counts for a lot! I think you are spot on when you say it is costumey. It is synthetic material, so probably made as some home made project. A vintage home-made bag. I think I will upcycle it, as I like the style of it. Thanks a lot for your help!!

 

[Sky Ranch Vintage]

I agree with Nicole. It looks 70's to me. These synthetics weren't even invented in the 30's.

 

[essentialvintage]

Thanks Amber, I appreciate your reply

 

[Perditaspursuits]

It definitely looks 70s (as someone who actively looks for 70s) - the fabric and the stitching both. The good news is that it will be easier to clean and do any small repairs needed as 70s fabrics wash and repair like modern ones (being very similar - if anything often coarser and sturdier!).

 

[essentialvintage]

Thanks Perdita! I am pleased to learn that it is looking to be from the 1970s! Maybe I should give it a wash. As I mentioned previously the tassle coarsely chopped. (see pic) Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I could improve this? I could hem it or maybe put beads all over them. Or do you think by 'upcycling' I am spoiling it?

Thanks everyone