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EXCITING “NEW” TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAG FINDS!

Let’s start with a deja’ vu item (for me) – I call it this because I discovered a nearly identical one and posted it just two weeks ago! However, the exciting thing is the different clues involved in their stories. Always SO interesting! Plus, one new item which is a rare find and always makes me do an extra happy dance. . . . . . . .. . . . . ..

Oh, Ho hum you may say. Another black cocktail clutch. Yes, I have many of these in my case archives (and closet), but each one is unique in some way. The fun thing about this one is the similarities to the other one recently found; 1. Both are rectangular and designed to be hand-held. 2. Both are made of black rayon satin. 3. Both have hand-done beading on the front AND back. 4. Both have an additional pocket (or two) inside. 5. Both are from the mid-century, probably post-WWII.

HOWEVER, the one found two weeks ago is more finely made. It was constructed in Hong Kong (while it was still British Hong Kong) while this one above was probably made in North America but is an iconic brand name (Soure’). The first found has more elaborate beading on the front. It is a sac design with no stiffening and simply folds over to close, while this one has stiffening between the layers, probably some form of cardboard, and a metal snap closure (more common and less elegant). These clues lead me to decide that the first find is 10 – 20 years older even though they are so similar. Investigations are so fun! You can check out the previous post and see what I mean.

The final item, just found, is the one that really gives me happy feet – see the little coin purse? I LOVE FINDING THESE!!!!! Not too many of them exist anymore and they are SO convenient and iconic inside a true vintage handbag. This one, also, is navy blue rather than black. It will definitely have a home in one of my purses at Headquarters.

OK, that’s the first of my recent deja’ vu finds, but there is another one which I will put in a separate post because it is in a different category – Men’s true vintage accessories! Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

2 TRUE VINTAGE ACCESSORY FINDS FROM THE MID-CENTURY AND BEFORE – RARE AND RARER!

So, I was out and about again, making another donation and look what appeared! From the 1950’s – early 1960’s – you’d think that after all the beaded evening bags I’ve discovered that I’d say “ho, hum . . . .”, but this one is a real beauty with one unusual feature.

Of course, gorgeous heavy beading front and back with a rayon satin body and lining. Handmade in Hong Kong with an inside pocket. It’s in near-perfect shape – some woman prized this little purse and kept it carefully folded away, probably in a dresser with her scarves or lingerie. The fabric label inside has started to fray and there are a couple of tiny marks on the lining – otherwise the condition is like new. The unusual feature mentioned above is the fact that it has no closure. Most bags like this close with a snap or a metal zipper. This one has an elongated top that simply folds over. Once in a while I have seen a vintage day or evening bag designed in this way, but it’s rare.

Even more special in some ways is this glass bead necklace. Clues point to the 1920’s – 1930’s – great find! The white beads are about 1/4″ round with white seed beads in between rather than knots. The clues pointing to it’s age are numerous. It’s been hand-strung by someone who knew what they were doing and tied off with a firm knot. The cord looks like it has yellowed over the years, which I’ve often seen. Seems to be a professional job to me – nice and tight. Interesting that there is no finding closure. Unless the beads were re-strung without a finding, I guess that it had been made that way originally – not unusual in jewelry I’ve discovered from the 20’s and the Depression era when metal findings weren’t as available (in case you don’t know the term – findings on jewelry are the metal closures and other pieces that make up the structure on necklaces, earrings and bracelets with beads or stones). Another clue is the length of this necklace. It’s a long one that hangs below the waist but also can be looped twice over the head to make a double strand. Perfect for any flapper.

After I happily collected these two, something else appeared, which I’ll post tomorrow. It just goes to show that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE OUTERWEAR? FUR REAL OR FAUX? WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT . . . . . . . . .

Last night I was out and about to a theater production and couldn’t reasonably drive a two block distance. Walking was the only choice, which I love, but IT WAS SO COLD!!! My warmest outerwear option, which kept me toasty and comfy, was my post-war beaver jacket from Canada. 75 years old and it’s still snuggly and beautiful. I grieve for the precious animals who (yes, WHO) were sacrificed for vanity and retail profit back in the day and will NEVER buy modern fur products. I advocate for animal rights but also celebrate those lives and gifts by preserving and enjoying elegant fashions from the past for as long as they will last.

I own many gorgeous fur and faux fur pieces made decades ago, before protective legislation and individual conscience stopped some of the fur trade and promoted humane practices. Above is one example, on the left, of an older fur jacket dyed to mimic mink. I cannot identify the fur – could be muskrat. Before the end of WWII, furs considered to be less fine were often processed this way. Other examples, such as the one on the right, are fakes – popular in the 1950’s and beyond. Some have been very convincing even since the 1950’s. Many of those made today look and even feel very authentic. The look is fun and elegant, in a vintage way, plus, as I proved last night, very practical.

Faux fur and secondhand true vintage furs are the best, the ONLY humane and progressive choice. I prefer those from the 1960’s and before. The remaining fur trade is still a blot on humanity, so we must be vigilant in our boycotting of this active market but I don’t see the enjoyment of historical fashions as being hypocritical. I will continue to show you how much I love them. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM