Style Name for Purse

jauntyrooster

jauntyrooster

Alumni
I already posted today so don't want to wear out welcome. I love doing research but am struggling a little with this purse. If someone could just tell me the style of the purse so I can try to research on my own, I would be grateful. It has no tags but is all leather. It is very thin and has a hard bottom so that is stands up on its own. Just can't find tag anywhere other than a handwritten tag from The Halle Bros Department Store here in Cleveland area.

Again, I know there are some who have sort of abused this forum so please know I am just looking for a style name to try to narrow down search. Appreciate you all humoring me as I learn.

Will refrain from posting for awhile to atone for my two a day sin! :)
 
My goodness, no need to abstain from posting or apologize. ;)

There is no problem with asking legitimate questions and sharing vintage finds.

Not much help with your purse I am afraid. I would probably describe it as a modified kelly bag, but that is probably wrong! :BAGUSE:
 
I thought that too Brenda so will keep searching in that vein.

I just want to make sure that I do not abuse this privilege - it is such a helpful forum. I do realize that everyone has better things to do than sit around answering my questions so just want all of the "experts" to know I don't take their time or input for granted.
 
I'm not sure there is a term for this specific sort of bag, but I often see "trapezoid" (as Joules mentions) used as a keyword for them, and if I were looking for one--I love them!--I would probably search for "trapezoid bag" and "trapezoid purse." I would think it too tall and narrow to be called even a modified Kelly bag. You will likely see people listing these as Kelly bags, and if you're selling on a venue that doesn't care, you "could" call it one....
 
I call purses like this "top handle." I think tall frame works and the shape is rather trapazoidal. I'm not sure if you use those words in a search that it will yield many results, but you could give it a try!

It's a great looking handbag with an unusual clasp and if you decide to sell it, I'm sure you'll do well. I am one of those "purists" who only calls Kelly bags (or exact copies) Kelly -so I wouldn't use that term, but I realize that many people do.

Linn
 
Linn - I did some searching under Kelly bags and was frightened by what people had listed! Duffel bags, hobo bags, WOW - it was bad.

Will use all the suggestions I have gotten here. I am not exaggerating when I say that I have looked at thousands of pics today and have found nothing even remotely similar. Was hoping to maybe find something relating to the great bow clasp, but also no luck.

My last try will be to see if I can find someone locally who worked for Halle Brothers and might be able to decipher the handwritten sticker that is on the inside pocket. Hard to read but I am not going to remove it. I also found a 1945 wheat penny waaaay deep down in the inside pocket - I think it alone is worth one cent! :)

Will keep you posted if I find anything of interest. Thank you all again.
 
Yes, it's sad to see how "Kelly bag" has become such an abused term. I can not agree with the people who take it to mean any bag that has a handle on top. But then, many of us are purists here.

msgrosmyer your bag is lovely and quite unusual - I love the shape and haven't seen another bow clasp like that. Do have any photos of the underside, inside and label? I date it somewhere between 1940s and early 1960s but more images will help pin it down.

N
 
a few more pics

Unfortunately there is not a single identifying tag. The zipper has AMER on both sides and the little gold caps on the hinge rivets say Ideal. The purse is 9" x 2" and stands about 9.75" inches tall. I got out a magnifying lens and went over the clasp very carefully - so much so that I actually started to see words and numbers appear which I believe was purely pyschological (started to feel like I was taking a Rorschak test!) but will have my hubby confirm when he gets home. I have tried searching for zipper info and even the Ideal brand on the rivets - no luck. However, I am no expert researcher so that could be part of the problem.

I am about zero/1000 today for research on this bag! :wacko:
 
Clarify - the zipper on the inside pocket.

Also inside is lined with a tan material that is either leather or a good imitation. It sure smells like leather when you open it up.
 
I think I can picture the (likely) vinyl lining and interior of the bag.
Here is a somewhat comparable handbag that I sold. I would guess that your bag's interior may be similar:
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=11227606

Probably your best bet, would be a store ad, for additional info. A photo of that sticker inside would also be good.
Have you visited the Bag Lady University site, on your research journeys? You probably have!
http://www.bagladyemporium.com/BLU/index.php?n=Main.HomePage
 
Oh, it's fabulous!

"Elongated Kelly Bag"

Please don't hit me, My lovely purist friends. xo
 
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