• Sign up for our weekly vintage fashion newsletter
  • search
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Vintage Dancer

  • Ask the Vintage Dancer!
  • Victorian
    • Women
      • Dresses
      • Skirts
      • Blouses
      • Nightgowns
      • Boots & Shoes
      • Hats
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • More clothing….
    • Men
      • Suits & Coats
      • Boots & Shoes
      • Hats
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Victorian Outfit Guides
      • Easy Victorian Costume Guide
      • Civil War Costume Guide
      • Bustle Dress Costume Guide
      • Men’s Victorian Clothing Guide
    • Victorian Fashion History
    • Steampunk
      • Women
        • Dresses and Costumes
        • Plus Size Clothing
        • Jackets
        • Skirts
        • Boots & Shoes
        • Hats
        • Sewing Patterns
        • More clothing….
      • Men
        • Shirts
        • Vests
        • Pants
        • Jackets
        • Hats
        • Boots and Shoes
        • Goggles, guns
        • More clothing…
      • Steampunk Costume Guides
        • Women’s Steampunk Essentials
        • Men’s Steampunk Essentials
        • More Steampunk Ideas
  • 1910s
    • Women
      • Shoes & Boots
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Gowns
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Blouses
      • Skirts
      • Hats
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
    • Men
      • Suits and Coats
      • Formal Wear
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Hats
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
      • Men’s Sewing Patterns
    • 1900-1910s Outfit Guides
      • DIY 1910-1915 Dresses
      • Tea Dress Guide
      • Mens Formal Suit Guide
      • Men’s 1910s Fashion
    • 1900s-1910s Fashion History
  • 1920s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Daytime Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Hair / Headbands
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Shoes & Boots
      • Hats
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Suits
      • Vests
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1920s Outfit Guides
      • Flapper Costume Guide
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • Casual Women’s Outfits
      • Men’s Outfit Ideas
    • 1920s Fashion History
  • 1930s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Tops
      • Skirts
      • Pants
      • Shoes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1930s Oufit Ideas
      • 1930s Women’s Fashion
      • 1930s Outfit Ideas
      • Men’s Fashion Guide
      • Men’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1930s Men’s Workwear
    • 1930s Fashion History
  • 1940s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Tops
      • Pants
      • Skirts
      • Shoes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Costumes
      • Suits
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • 1940s Outfit Ideas
      • Women’s 1940s Fashion
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1940s Fall Winter Outfits
      • Men’s 1940s Fashion
      • Men’s Outfit Ideas
    • 1940s Fashion History
  • 1950s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • House/Day Dresses
        • Cocktail Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Skirts
      • Pants
      • Tops
      • Shoes
      • Makeup Guide
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits, Coats
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Shirts
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1950s Outfit Ideas
      • Women’s 1950s Fashion
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • Men’s Fashion: Suits
      • Men’s Fashion: Casual
    • 1950s Fashion History
  • 1960s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Pants
      • Skirts
      • Tops
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Jackets, Sweaters
      • Hats
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
    • 1960s Fashion Guides / History
      • 1960s Women’s Fashion
      • 1960s Outfit Ideas (Women)
      • 1960s Mens Outfits
      • 1960s Men’s Fashion, 60s Fashion for Men
  • 1970s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Shirts
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Jumpsuits
      • Workout Clothes
      • Shorts
      • Skirts
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Shirts
      • Jackets & Sweaters
      • Shoes, Boots
      • Costumes
    • 1970s Outfit Ideas
      • Disco Fashion (Women & Men)
      • Women’s Fashion
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1970s Fashion History
  • 1980s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Prom Dresses
      • Jeans/Leggings
      • Tops
      • Jackets
      • Sweatshirts, Sweaters
      • Workout Clothes
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Costumes
    • Men’s Clothing
  • Fashion History
    • Men’s Fashion
    • Victorian Fashion
    • 19100-1910s Fashion
    • 1920s Fashion
    • 1930s Fashion
    • 1940s Fashion
    • 1950s Fashion
    • 1960s Fashion
    • 1970s Fashion
    • Vintage Inspired Fashion
Vintage Dancer | 1920s Fashion | 1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles

1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles

1920s Fashion History

8 Oct 2013

Go to any office, coffee shop, or mall today, and you will see women lugging around bags that rival the size of carry-on luggage. A peek inside might reveal a cell phone, car keys, wallet, make up, receipts, energy bars, and a whole host of other gadgets and paraphernalia that are all deemed to be an essential part of a modern woman’s day. By comparison, 1920s handbags, purses, and shopping bags held very little in them.

1926 ladies caring handbags

1926 ladies caring handbags

Handbags were just that – bags that you carried in your hand. No tote bags, backpacks, messenger bags, or anything with a shoulder strap for that matter, or at least not until the decade was almost over. A glance inside women’s 1920s handbags probably would have shown some lipstick, a small case of powder, a house key, and a few coins. That’s it.

If it wasn’t for the boom in using makeup, smoking cigarettes, and young women living away from male caretakers (who footed the credit accounts with local merchants), there would be no need for a purse at all. That freed up handbags to be more about fashion than function.

Daytime appointments usually called for bags made from sturdy fabric or hand tooled leather, while bags for the evening were more glitzy and often made from beads or silver mesh. Bag frames were made of sterling silver, nickel silver, brass, steel, or gunmetal. Many were coated in silver, gold, rhodium, or chrome.

1922 handbags- reticule, clutches, vanity box, tooled leather purses, coin purse

Types of 1920s Handbags – Daytime

The daytime purse was carried by most women every day. They were small, about  5-10 inches wide or tall, and made of leather or fabric. Leathers were die stamped with raised, indented, filigree, or openwork designs. Hand tooling further enhanced many designs, as well as adding enameling and semi-precious stones to the frames.

Handles were usually short, only long enough to carry in the hand instead of thrown over a shoulder.  Shapes ranged from rectangular, square, pouch, to occasionally round canisters.  They were fairly flat, opening with a frame top and a locking mechanism (notably twist knob, kiss lock, snap lock, zipper, pull key, lift clasp, or slide lock).

1927 short handle bags with the pouch shape

1927 short handle bags with the pouch shape

Hand-tooled leather bags were a result of the Arts and Crafts movement that began in the 1880s. The movement embraced handmade, not machine made, products that were decorated with scrolling scenes of nature such as flowers, vines, and insects. Improvements in manufacturing made the machine made bag look handmade in the 1920s at a more affordable price.

1920s handbang leather tooled

Embossed leather bag with lacing 1927

 

Art and Crafts style hand tooled leather handbag

Art and Crafts style hand tooled leather handbag

Calfskin leather made a good durable choice for the body of the bag, while softer pigskin was used for the lacing edges. Sheepskin was also a soft leather and a bit cheaper. Man-made leathers were offered but they were hardly as durable.

Black leather was preferred in the early years, with dark or medium brown adding to the mix in the middle years and lighter tans, red-brown, and grey by the end.

1922 leather handbags

1922 leather handbags and vanity cases with unique shapes

Pouchettes, underarm bags, and clutch bags were names given to a new-ish style of small handbag in the mid 1920s. It was rectangular in shape, like an envelope, and worn tucked under the arm, carried by a small strap across the top, or a vertical strap on the backside.

Pouchettes could be made with embroidered silks, embossed leathers, felt, linen, suede, and woven tapestry with Art Deco style designs. Jeanne Lanvin made a beautiful beaded clutch, and those with money to burn could have even had a silk clutch encrusted with diamonds from Cartier. Textured animal skins also became popular starting in the mid 1920s – lizard, alligator, crocodile, and snakeskin. They mimicked similar trends in footwear.

1927 clutch bags daytime 1920s purses
1927 clutch bags with handels

1929 mixed leather clutch bags daytime 1920s handbags purses
1929 mixed leather clutch bags in the envelope or strap style

The clutch purse was so popular that it stayed that way for decades to come.  Those who were really in touch with fashion wore matching gloves, which — by the way — were carried in their bags when not in use, not carried in their hands.

1925 envelope clutch bags

1925 envelope clutch bags with embroidery

The idea of traveling light might sound appealing, but what about the idea of having to carry your bag in your hands all the time? If you don’t like that idea, then you are not alone. None other than Coco Chanel didn’t like it, either. It is established that Chanel often took her designs from menswear, but this time she borrowed from the military messenger bag. Finding it more practical to sling her handbag over her shoulder, she added long thin straps to her bag, and in 1929 introduced the first handbag with shoulder straps. Leave it to Chanel to once again provide both practicality and style.

1929, carrying a clutch purse under arm

1929, carrying a clutch purse under arm

Cloth Bags

Reticules functioned like a pouch with a drawstring. They had been the primary style of purse for the past 100 plus years. They remained in style in the early 1920s but quickly drifted away in favor of newer, more practical styles.

1920s knit reticule bag pairs with this knit dress

1920s beaded reticule bag pairs with this knit dress

For daytime, reticules were made of fabric such as velvet, silk, satin, cotton, or canvas. Embroidery, tapestry fabrics, and needlework were classic techniques to decorate a handbag. They were popular to make at home, either for matching an outfit or in black for the goes-with-everything evening-wear.

At night you might have seen reticules crocheted with strands of glass beads and dangling with fringe.  Some reticules had a cylinder container on top that held makeup – a two in one purse! Reticules made of woven metals came in all price ranges. They were used on the silver screen a lot, propelling their popularity throughout the early 1920s.

1920s beaded bags purses

Beaded reticule bags

The drawstring was replaced by a frame, updating the reticule into a pouch bag — a much more fashionable design. Suede was a good choice for daywear and velvet for evenings. A matching short fabric handle was added from the frame tips. Inside, they were lined in pretty and soft silk or satin. Outside, a tassel or row of fringe hung from the bottom as a traditional reticule detail.

1922 reticule bags and cloth purses

1922 reticule bags and cloth purses

When feed and flour sack bags started to be printed in pretty cotton patterns, many rural women used the material to make dresses and bags. This crafty trend was slow to catch on until the frugal ’30s.

Other crafty women ordered purse kits, which included the materials, beads and frames to make a purse at home. Knitting bags was yet another homemade purse option. They experienced a revival when knitwear became the newest craze in fashion.

1920s knit skirt tops suits shoes art deco at VintageDancer

Knit dresses with knitted handbag, mid 1920s

Evening Bags

Evening bags were the stars of the 1920s. Reticules were elaborately decorated as well as pouch bags, small clutches, and coin purses. Beading and metalwork replaced embroidery and fine fabrics as the newest form of embellishment. Designs were pulled from all of the art movements and global influences.

Beads for decorating came in all sorts of new man made materials as well as the old stand by glass bead. Opaque, translucent, transparent, carnival glass (iridescent), and opalescent were all forms of beads used. Even seed beads, called Rocaille, decorated ladies’ small bags. Metal beads made of cut steel could now be chemically dyed to look like gold or silver. When mixed with brass and nickel, they had even more metallic colors.

1920s beaded purse

1920s Beaded Fabric Floral Clutch Purse

Bags made from metal mesh went back decades but found new popularity in the ’20s. They were plated with gold and silver, or perhaps enameled with the popular Art Deco patterns such as Egyptian and Asian motifs. The variety of mesh bags made in the 1920s is a fascinating study for a collector.

The mesh bag was usually long and slender.  Some frames were rectangular, while others were dome or cathedral shaped. Genuine or synthetic sapphire cabochons were often set into the knob clasp. A short chain handle or wrist strap added to the bags dainty charm. Fringe chain was added to the hem of many bags.

Dresden mesh was found on the finest of mesh bags with pearlized or enamel finishes. The result was soft muted or washed colors similar to Chine fabric.

1920s metal bag purse

Metal ring mesh bag with enameled coloring

Armored mesh was made of small flat metal links in “+” or “x” shapes. They could be stenciled or enameled into geometric Art Deco patterns. Beadlite mesh had a raised dome center that looked like beads.

1929 Whiting and Davis mesh bags, Art Deco patterns

1929 Whiting and Davis mesh bags, Art Deco patterns

Ring mesh was made of tiny circles linked together and sometimes colored, giving the look of a watercolor painting.

1920 mesh bags

1920 silver plated mesh bags

Sunset mesh bags were introduced by Whiting & Davis in 1921. Fine gold, silver, and bronze plated rings were arranged in vertical stripes.

1929 A lovely afternoon frock paired with a mesh handbag (Mrs. Oscar [Jessie Williams] De Priest)

1929 A lovely afternoon frock paired with a mesh handbag (Mrs. Oscar [Jessie Williams] De Priest)

Further reading: Fashion of the Roaring Twenties by Ellie Laubner has a detailed chapter dedicated to handbags, especially mesh bags. It scroll through Etsy will also give you an idea of the sheer variety of decoration techniques used on day and evening bags. 

Vanity Bags

The growth of the makeup industry in the 1920s meant women were using makeup regularly, to the point where a woman would need to touch up her face several times a day. Purses and handbags were designed with matching mirror cases, sometimes attached to a chain so it could not be misplaced. Daytime ladies’ bags had pockets and compartments designed to hold compacts, coin purses, key cases, handkerchiefs, combs, and cigarette cases – everything a woman could need, neatly organized.

1928 purses with matching mirrors and compartments for cases and compacts.

1928 purses with matching mirrors and compartments for cases and compacts.

Women could take along one or two essential makeup compacts in her small everyday bag, however more serious makeup users turned to a new bag, the vanity bag, for her needs. The bag was more like a box, hexagon, octagon, or round cylinder with strap handle.  Inside, the vanity box straps held down compacts, tubes, pouches and/or cases of makeup, tonics, buffs, and a hair comb. Some even came with a light and large mirror for on-the-go applications.

1923 light-up vanity box
1923 light-up vanity box
1923 Bille Burke vanity cases
1923 Bille Burke vanity cases

1922 makeup box with mirror flap
1922 makeup box with mirror flap
1928 vanity box with inside compartments
1928 vanity box with inside compartments

Many mesh and beaded evening bags also had built in compartments for makeup, called a Piccadilly vanity bag. A rectangle shaped compact became part of the top frame or a round cylinder screwed on top of the reticule bag.  The compact housed a tiny mirror and puff, pre-loaded with powder.  Additional compacts could be stored inside the bag. These richly ornamented bags hid in plain sight the fact that a woman used makeup. How daring!

1923 mesh Piccadilly style bag with build in powder compact and mirror.

Continue on to read about 1930s handbags.

Shopping Bags and Carts

A small handbag would not do a woman any good when she was shopping for groceries, carrying books to school, going on a short trip, or on an outing with a baby. Large quantity shopping also needed larger bags.  Mid-sized shopping bags (about 12 inches) with handle or strap served well for short errands. Small compartments inside kept some cash and coin within reach.

The fold-out shopping bag was designed to collapse into a small purse and open up to a 16″ by 12″ shopping bag for carrying grocery items home. It was made of a rubberized cloth instead of leather.

A woven straw shopping basket remained popular for women, especially in Europe.

Mailing letters carried in her shopping basket

Mailing letters carried in her shopping basket

For groceries, many stores provided delivery service, a great convenience for women without cars. For women in town, a shopping cart would have been preferred over a heavy leather bag or hand basket. This cart below was my great grandmother’s woven wood shopping cart. She used it for all her errands.

1920s shopping Cart

1920s Woven Wood Shopping Cart

For travel, shopping, or school items, the Boston bag was the item all women, men, and children used. It looked like an old doctor’s medicine bag (AKA Gladstone bag).  Gladstone bags or club bags had a lockable frame, while the Boston bag latched with a buckle strap.  Made of sturdy cowhide leather with a frame top, two thick handles, and metal feet, it held a lot and lasted for decades.

Women and men used it for travel by car, train or ship, when only a weekend’s worth of clothing was needed.

1923, boston bag

1923, Boston bag

Similar to the Boston bag were other large travel bags that resembled extra large purses. Many women chose these large bags over smaller bags for their everyday needs, especially in America.

1920s women travel bag luggage handbag

Carrying a travel bag

 

1920s handbags , Traveling by ship these ladies brought a large purse and a briefcase bag

Traveling by ship these ladies brought a large purse and a briefcase bag

There were bags for many other occasions. A briefcase was used by men and women who carried books and papers.

1927 briefcase

1927 briefcase

A roll up or flat briefcase style bag carried sheet music.

Top to bottom: shopping bag, rolled music cases, flat music case.

Top to bottom: shopping bag, rolled music cases, flat music case.

1920s Reproduction Bags

There are a few designers who have made an art of reviving 1920s style handbags. They are by no means cheap, but they are utterly beautiful recreations. The first is Whiting and Davis established in 1896. They were a first producer of metal mesh bags and continue to make reproduction and new mesh bags. Vintage Whiting and Davis bags from the teens on up to now are readily found in vintage shops. I frequently use my metal mesh bag from the 1960s as a 1920s evening purse – the styles were very similar.

The other designer is Mary Frances. She has several bags which are reproductions of 1920s beaded bags, but most of her designs are just inspired by the ’20s techniques. She has a great sense of humor and whimsy which are evident in her small purses. Many are truly elegant works of art.

1920s inspired evening bags, flapper purses found at VvintageDancer com

1920s Style Bags

On the cheaper end are embroidered frame bags, beaded bags, clutch bags, and occasionally box bags. Indian Potli bags can also serve as affordable Reticule style bags for early ’20s looks. These are all great for evenings.

The leather day purse is the only one I have a hard time finding. Some vintage bags from the 1970s or western style bags can work, but they are usually too large and too modern. Genuine vintage 1920s bags are amazing but not cheap, and often too small to carry modern cell phones. It took me quite a while to find one that would hold all of my modern conveniences.

Here are some good 1920s inspired handbags for sale:

1920s Style Handbags

1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Women Retro Hollow Oil Wax PU Leather Handbag Kiss Lock Messenger Bag Handbags $17.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$17.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Belsen Womens Vintage Beaded Sequin Evening Handbags $29.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$29.95
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique Beaded Party Clutch Vintage Rose Purse Evening Handbag $24.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$24.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles ILISHOP Womens Vintage Luxury Printing Beaded Women Handbag Evening Bag $19.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$19.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Micom New Small Retro Vintage Kiss Lock Imitation Leather Purse Handbag Totes Bag for Womengirls $26.80 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$26.80
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles KISSCHIC Womens Vintage Beaded and Sequined Evening Bag Wedding Party Handbag Clutch Purse  AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage Style Black Marabou Feather Fan $24.00 AT vintagedancer.com
UniqueVintage
$24.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Abuyall Women Retro Purse Vintage Top Handle Handbag Kiss Lock Shoulder Bags $15.34 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$15.34
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles ZLYC Women Retro Vintage Genuine Leather Doctor Top Handle Cross Body Bag $119.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$119.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Tuscany Leather - Michelangelo - Doctor gladstone leather bag - TL10038 $207.58 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$207.58
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Genuine Leather Doctor Bag 2 front buckles $235.77 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$235.77
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique Beaded Party Clutch Vintage Rose Purse Evening Handbag $24.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$24.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Purpledip Potli Bag (Clutch Drawstring Purse) For Women With Intricate Gold Thread & Sequin Embroidery Work $12.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$12.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Black Leather Bag with Clasp | Vintage leather bag | leather handle bag Leather frame bag $159.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$159.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Rejolly Women Vintage Kiss Lock Top Handle Handbag Evening Purse Crossbody Shoulder Bag with Chain Strap $25.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$25.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Belsen Womens Vintage Beaded Sequin Flower Evening Handbags $26.94 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$26.94
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Cotilion Cobweb Kiss Clasp Purse $79.95 AT vintagedancer.com
VictorianTradingCo
$79.95
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles QZUnique Womens Fashion Chinese Style Elegant Empaistic Top Handle Shoulder Bag $34.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$34.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles PULAMA Elegant Envelope Clutch Satin Purse Wallet with Vintage Decoration $11.96 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$11.96
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Handmade Leather Doctor Bag $140.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$140.00
ViewMore

Vintage 1920s Handbags

1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE 1920s ART DECO ERA FLAPPER GIRL ENAMEL MESH PURSE WHITING & DAVIS $45.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$45.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE DECO HANDBAG PURSE 1920s 1930s Small BLACK with Rhinestone Clasp $16.58 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$16.58
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE FRENCH PURSE 1920s Point de Beauvais embroidery Floral on Black $41.46 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$41.46
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Beautiful Vintage beaded 20's purse/ handbag collectable  $27.64 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$27.64
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE 1920s Ladies Petit Point Fabric Chain Handle Bag (S) $124.37 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$124.37
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE DECO PURSE 1920s 1930s Small Rhinestone Evening Purse Button Fastening $34.55 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$34.55
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE TAPESTRY BAG CIRCA 1920'S - GOOD CONDITION $109.87 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$109.87
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Gold Vintage Antique Beaded Handbag Purse 1920s 30s Century Hand Made In France $73.50 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$73.50
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920s 1930s Beaded Flap Purse Antique Silk White Brown Floral Made In France Vtg $58.02 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$58.02
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles SUPERB FRENCH CIRCA 1920 BEADED FLAPPERS EVENING PURSE WITH DRAWSTRING CLOSURE  $62.19 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$62.19
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE 1920s 1930sDeco cream fur clutch purse with Art Deco rhinestone fur clip $110.56 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$110.56
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles ANTIQUE ART DECO 20s TORTOISESHELL FRAME TAPESTRY BAG HANDBAG CLUTCH SILK LINING $172.75 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$172.75
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage Solid Silver  Ladies Evening Purse $138.19 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$138.19
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE HANDBAG, 1920s ART DECO, DEEP BLUE SILVER METALLIC BEADED RETICULE PURSE $110.56 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$110.56
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Original 1920s 1930s Deco Black With Copper Gold Floral Beaded Flapper Bag Purse $55.28 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$55.28
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles French Beaded 1920s 30s Clutch Purse Early 20th Century White Floral Vintage $53.38 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$53.38
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles ANTIQUE ART DECO TAPESTRY NEEDLEPOINT BAG HANDBAG PURSE BEAUTIFUL FLORAL GIFT $165.84 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$165.84
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE DECO PURSE 1920s 1930s Sml check Rhinestone Evening Purse Stud Fastening $89.83 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$89.83
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE FRENCH DECO PURSE 1920s 1930s Black Satin Floral Embroidered Clutch $138.20 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$138.20
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique Embroidered Bag with Pearl Like Beads and Sequins/1920s $34.55 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$34.55
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique Vtg 1920's Mesh  Flapper Evening Bag Purse $175.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$175.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage 1920’s Revival Egyptian Hieroglyphics Leather Clutch Bag $50.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$50.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles GORGEOUS ART DECO 1920’s VTG Antique WHITING & DAVIS Mesh Bag Flapper $129.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$129.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles ROARING 1920's  ART DECO WHITING DAVIS MESH EVENING PURSE BAG WITH ENAMEL $139.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$139.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique 1920s Flapper Purse Glass Bead Evening String Bag $30.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$30.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Frence vintage art deco 1930s glossy crocodile skin clutch handbag $165.84 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$165.84
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Alannah Hill Handbag Beaded Bag White Gold Bugle 1920’s Wedding Cocktail Party S $42.55 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$42.55
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE 1920 ' S STYLE BLACK GOLD BEADED BEADS CHAIN SHOULDER BAG CLUTCH PURSE  $29.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$29.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920's Beaded Dance Handbag Hand Strap $23.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$23.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE 1920’s Beaded K & G Charlet Evening Bag Rare Find! $62.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$62.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE 1920s Ortella Black Ruched Clasp Front Clutch Purse (S) $96.73 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$96.73
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Bakelite Vintage 1920s 30s Clutch Floral Linen Lined Purse $41.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$41.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles  VINTAGE 1920's  RED BEADED FLAPPER BAG / HANDBAG $75.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$75.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Circa 1920's Tooled Art Nouveau Design Leather Purse Excellent Condition $200.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$200.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage Beaded cir. 1920's Drawstring Medicine Bag vs. Handbag $48.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$48.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Mircobead 1920s Purse $90.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$90.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique French Small Beaded Purse Hand woven Silver and Red Glass Beads 1920's $35.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$35.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920's Vintage Style Flapper Bag Evening Purse Art Deco RUBY RED Glass Beads $69.95 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$69.95
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique 1920's Painted Turquoise Pink Enamel Mesh Metal Flapper Chain Purse $110.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$110.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Clutch For Women Evening Handbag Satin Beaded Sparkling Brown Party Purse Bag $34.26 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$34.26
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique 1920s WHITING & DAVIS
EbayUS
$60.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage 1920's Jorelle Bags Made in Belgium Beaded Pearl Evening Purse $14.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$14.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE FLAPPER 1920s CELLULOID RHINESTONE BLACK DANCE COMPACT VANITY PURSE  $45.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$45.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE 1920s STYLE BEADED EVENING BAG SIZE 18X18 cm $23.21 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$23.21
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920's ART DECO FLAPPER DANCE PURSE BAKELITE CELLULOID COMPACT $69.50 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$69.50
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage 1920's Custom Made Redisch Bags New York Purse $49.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$49.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage Evening Gold Metallic Small Purse 1920s 1930s Clutch Handbag Party  $43.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$43.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles DRGM Art Deco 1920s Evening Leather Bag. Branded EA. $49.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$49.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage 1920's WHITING & DAVIS Gold Framed White Metal Mesh Pursette Evening Bag $149.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$149.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles French 1920s Silk Satin Petit Small Beaded Pearl Closure Flowers Floral Motif $174.07 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$174.07
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles  1920'S VINTAGE EVENING CLUTCH, PURSE textured silk Brown ,change purse $15.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$15.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage 1920's - Art Deco Multi-colored glass micro bead & fringe wristlet purse $22.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$22.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage Womens Gold Sequin Handbag Mini Snap Clutch Evening Bag 1920s $29.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$29.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles ORIGINAL 1920's BLACK IRIDESCENT CARNIVAL GLASS BEADED FLAPPER BAG / HANDBAG $149.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$149.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique Brass Shoulder Purse With Three Stones And Original Chain.1920s-30s! $149.97 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$149.97
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Crocheted Purse Chocolate 1920's/30's Vintage NOT FADED $50.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$50.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920's Black Beaded Purse w/ Brass Handle and Silk Insides $39.95 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$39.95
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles ANTIQUE 1920s IRIDESCENT COBALT BLUE MICRO BEAD FLAPPER BAG $60.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$60.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Mandalian Enameled Mesh Purse 1920s. Very good condition. $200.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$200.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920's Art Deco Silver Plate Hand Purse & Compact $175.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$175.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles BRONZE BROWN BEADED Clutch purse 1920s Filligree brass Copper Beads Metallic $23.21 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$23.21
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique 1920's Fine Mesh Purse Deco Flapper Made in Canada Silver Plated  $52.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$52.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles MICROBEADED SILVER WHITE Purse 20s Clutch Victorian Flapper Czechoslovakian 50s $7.74 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$7.74
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles BRONZE BROWN SEQUIN Beaded Floral Clutch purse HB03 Lanza Italy 1920s Filligree  $23.21 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$23.21
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles FLORAL PINK BEADED Sequin Pearlescent shimmer Dance Clutch 1920s 30s Flapper $30.95 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$30.95
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE Microbeaded White Brown Gilt Frame Purse (S) $96.73 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$96.73
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Art Deco Silver Plated Rainbow Mesh Purse with Enamel Frame & Blue Glass Clasp $131.29 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$131.29
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique Leather  Navy Blue Suitcase with Compartments Brass Locks 1920's VGC  $150.86 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$150.86
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles BEADED SILVER PEARL Purse Gold Dance Clutch 1920s 30s Flapper seed beads shabby $23.21 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$23.21
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE Microbeaded White Silver Chain Handle Flapper Purse (S) $96.73 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$96.73
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles VINTAGE 1920s 1930s Ladies Black Fabric Rhinestone Encrusted Clasp Clutch Bag (S $96.73 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$96.73
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Carolina Herrera Neiman Marcus NY Padded Cosmetic/Laptop Travel Pouch/Bag $16.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$16.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920's-1930's Canvas Progressing with Arizona Valley National Bank Bag  $35.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$35.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Clutch Purse Vintage Beaded Black made Belgium Silk Lined 1920s Era PROM $19.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$19.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920s ART DECO LADY  PURSE  POCKET MIRROR Roaring 20s ANTIQUE Great Graphics Old $10.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$10.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique Mesh Gold & Multi-colored Ladies Bag Circa 1920's Whitting & Davis $199.80 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$199.80
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique Dutch Scene SilverTone Purse Top1920's Town River Windmill Embossed $54.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$54.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles ANTIQUE  F.M.CO. SILVER TONE DANCE COIN MAKE UP PURSE  - COMPACT - 1920'S $95.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$95.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920’s Carnival Bean Bag Toss Game  Skill Game Antique Toy Tramp Folk Art $48.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$48.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920's-1930's Canvas Melbourne Savings Bank Bag Melbourne Iowa $28.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$28.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920's Antique French Celluloid Trinket Box Purse Painted Embossed Bear - 1.5
EbayUS
$69.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Ladies Vintage 1920's Style Silver Satin Flapper Dress-Jewelry-Gloves-Purse Sz M $55.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$55.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920s Vintage Retail Record Store Paper Bag/Sack ROMEO RECORDS Kress Stores $40.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$40.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles April Cornell Purse metallic embroidered Vintage Style beads 7
EbayUS
$10.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage 1920’s Era France Postes Postal #5 Canvas Mail Collection/Delivery Bag $119.95 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$119.95
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique 1920's Needlepoint Purse w/ Dutch Embossed Silvertone Square Open Top $44.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$44.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique 1920s Red Santa & Bag Christmas Paper Mache Candy Container  $24.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$24.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles RM Co Dance Purse Compact CarryAll Art Deco Guilloche Floral Chain Puffs 1920s $95.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$95.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920's-30's Shirley or Patsty type Dress&Coat,purse for 24
EbayUS
$40.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage 1920’s Leather Steer Hide Vintage Coin Purse (The Sensible Purse) $15.00 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$15.00
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage Kruse Top Grain Cow Hide Doctors Bag 1920's-30's $49.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$49.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Rare Antique 1920s/30s Vintage Norcross Paper Bag 10.5
EbayUS
$63.74
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1923 Whiting & Davis Mesh Bag Purse Handbag Plainville MA 1920's Christmas Ad $13.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$13.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage Beaded Drawstring Pouch Bag Small Hand Made Blue 1920’s $49.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$49.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Cigar Box Beaded Purse Handbag Roaring Twenties Couples Dancing  $24.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$24.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Vintage 1920's Ad Whiting & Davis Mesh Bags Purse Colorful Deco 6 1/4
EbayUS
$14.95
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles 1920's AMOLIN FEMININE ANTISEPTIC DEODORANT POWDER PURSE SAMPLE SIZE TIN BOXED $14.99 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$14.99
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles Antique 1920's Flapper Whiting Davis Enamel Mesh Fringe Art Nouveau Purse Bag * $75.65 AT vintagedancer.com
EbayUS
$75.65
1920s Handbags, Purses, and Shopping Bag Styles ANTIQUE 1920's 6
EbayUS
$44.83

 

 

debbie
We are Debbie and Oscar, your guides to dressing up like decades past. We are here to help you find clothing online and learn about vintage fashions as worn by everyday people, just like you. Need help with your outfit? Ask us anytime.
« Romantic Downton Abbey Wedding Guest Dresses
1920s Jewelry Styles History »

Comments

  1. Dodie says

    November 11, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    This is a wonderful page, however, I’d like to offer a correction. A woman’s purse would ALWAYS contain a handkerchief and a comb in addition to the items you mentioned. Always. Only recently has a handkerchief fallen out of fashion, but no lady would have been without them. Also, all ladies carried gloves. Often, a woman wore gloves and carried an extra pair, in case the ones she had on were soiled during the day.

  • Home
  • About The Vintage Dancer
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

Disclosure:

This website is supported by advertising in the form of product links, banners, and sponsored articles. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking a link.  As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Read: Privacy Policy, Disclosure, Terms and Conditions

About Us

  • About VintageDancer.com
  • Newsletter eMail Sign Up
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Google +
  • Twitter
  • Tumbler
  • Blog Lovin
  • RSS Reader

How to Buy:

Click on the picture or title of the product and you will be redirected to the online merchant selling that item. Questions about sizing and shipping are answered on the merchants website.

VintageDancer.com links to clothing for sale online to make finding vintage inspired clothing easier.

Our Story

Dressing in vintage style clothing for a themed event or personal fashion is our passion. We turned a hobby into this website to make it easy to find vintage inspired clothing for women and men online spanning 1900-1960s. Our fashion history blog helps you create the look from decades past using vintage, vintage inspired and thrifty clothing, Need help? Ask us anytime.

Copyright © 2021 ·