Look what just popped up when I was out and about recently – wasn’t investigating, but clues tend to appear when an agent is near. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dating from somewhere in the late 1930’s to the mid-1950’s, these accessories might have been used for an everyday or a dressy occasion. At a time when nice pearl necklaces were routinely worn by smartly dressed women whenever they went downtown and leather pocket accessories were carried by men and women alike, well-made and stylish items like these were common.

These “pearls” aren’t the real deal, but it always pays to notice because you just never know. I’ve discovered both real pearls and well-done imitations in unlikely places. This strand is heavy (as it should be, because real pearls are), with an iridescent pinky-beige finish that is pretty and looks very natural. There are only a few small scratches on some of the pearls near the clasp – natural wear after being worn for decades. Excellent for it’s age! The clasp is a fishhook push type in sculpted silver-tone metal set with a rhinestone that looks very diamond-like, which makes this necklace a good imposter that would fool many an admiring eye. The only feature which would improve the deception would be knots between the gems.

The tiny leather coin purse with a spring closure is deep black, rather than gray. These are very clever and are opened by putting pressure on the sides and snap closed again when you let go. It could have been a man’s or a woman’s and is made of fine, soft leather which I’ve seen several times in vintage men’s wallets and usually marked as “Moroccan Leather”. Worthy of any gentleman or lady. The spring closure comes from the mid-1950’s and before, in my experience. Very useful finds, and fun!

So, just a little update and reminder that it pays to “keep your eyes peeled”, because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM