Need help dating a lucite clutch purse!

[alyssacohen]

I found a fantastic lucite clutch today, but am having the hardest time dating it because there is not a SINGLE marking anywhere to be found on the bag, not inside, outside, or on any of the hardware. I imagine since it's lucite, I can safely guess it's from between the 1940s and the 1970s, but that's a very big range. Something that's also throwing me off is that the snap closure is magnetic, and I just don't know how long those have been used for. Additionally, the strap and interior are leather (i'm pretty sure they're real leather) and there is brass hardware. If I could get some help pinning a decade on this piece I would really appreciate it!

 

[Pinkcoke]

It does look very 70's to me, with that handle and hardware.

 

[retro ruth]

Magnetic closures became more common in the 1980s, but I think they probably did start in the later 1970s, but not earlier.

I agree with Melanie, the strap and hardware looks 70s to me, or maybe early 80s.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

I'll go with late '70s to early '80s for this one. I think some labels are still making lucite handbags.

 

[alyssacohen]

Thank you all so so much! I really appreciate it!

 

[themerchantsofvintage]

Here's a discussion about magnetic closures:

http://forums.vintagefashionguild.org/threads/magnetic-bag-closures.44827/

It was a Japanese invention filed in 1974 and patent approved in 1977.

 

[alyssacohen]

Here's a discussion about magnetic closures:

http://forums.vintagefashionguild.org/threads/magnetic-bag-closures.44827/

Wow, that is seriously helpful. Thank you!! I tried doing research on magnetic closures myself and came up with a patent filed in the late 90s, but I knew that couldn't be right haha.

 

[retro ruth]

That is good to know, thanks Deborah!

 

[cmpollack]

Great info, Deborah!

Pretty purse--I love the leather lining...

 

[themerchantsofvintage]