Vintage Handbags

Jewelry » Vintage Handbags

We continually hunt for vintage designer purses,clutches, handbags from the 1920's through the 1980's. Most of our vintage handbags,shoulder bags, and clutches were made in America during the golden era of handbag designs - the 1940's through the 1970's.Many handbag companies set up showrooms in New York city and were carried by the big department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bonwit Teller, and many more. As the 1980's ended, so ended the business of the handbag makers in New York City, Philadelphia, and elsewhere. The factories were no longer able to compete with cheap overseas labor as handbags were produced on a mega scale with little concern for using high quality materials,beautiful silk linings, and fine design details.

We carry an assortment of classic leather, exotic snakeskin and alligator, elegant patent , and straw bags for summer.We carry vintage handbag companies like Mark Cross, Aetna, Dofan, Ingber, and Margaret Smith. Some of our favorite innovative designers include Patricia Smith and Barbara Bolin whose work graces the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We recommend http://www.bagladyemporium.com for a complete history of vintage handbags.

Finally, we buy vintage handbags for our customers that are both beautiful and can be worn everyday. There is a vintage handbag (or two) for everyone who loves to carry a unique fashion accessory!

Vintage Patent Handbags
Vintage patent handbags, shoulder bags, and clutches from the 1940's to the 1980's.Patent handbags were designed in classic black as well as a rainbow of colors.

Vintage Clutch Handbags
Clutch handbags were made during the sleek tailored look of the 1940's and into the early 1950's. The clutch name came from the loop handle sewn on to the back of the handbag or a loop handle to hold the...

First Page Previous Page 1 2 3 4 Next Page Last Page