The Most Stunning Vintage Purses Ever Appraised on Antiques Roadshow!

I had a neighbor, she was an elderly woman, and she really had no family, and she was very kind to myself and my children. and she gave it to me as a gift. I never used it. I never inquired about it. It was beautiful. And I just put it away. I figured one day I would give it to one of my children. Dating to approximately 1925, this elegant Cartier evening purse combines luxurious silk brocade with precious gemstones and fine gold craftsmanship. Its exterior features an intricate Persian-inspired pattern woven into remarkably well-preserved silk. Giving the piece a distinctive appearance rarely found in surviving accessories from the period. The decorative frame is made of 18 karat yellow gold, complemented by delicate white enamel detailing. Around the edges, pink tourmalines create a beautiful jeweled border, while tiny diamonds are set into the buckle clasp. Even the thumb tab features a matching pink tourmaline. Although the purse was likely designed in Paris, its signature provides an important clue to its origin. The distinctive block letter Cartier marking inside identifies it as a creation of Cartier New York, one of the company's important branches during the early 20th century. Interestingly, Cartier used this particular Persian-patterned brocade in several luxury creations during the 1920s. Similar material appeared in other purses and accessories, and even inspired the engraved decoration on a cigarette case. Such details reveal how the renowned jewelry house extended its creativity beyond traditional gemstones and precious metal jewelry. What makes this example especially desirable is its extraordinary preservation. Silk accessories from nearly a century ago rarely survive in such pristine condition, making this an exceptional collectible. At auction, this piece would bring anywhere between $15,000 to $20,000. Yes. Oh my goodness, really? This is a phenomenal example, and it's in such pristine condition. That's the beauty of this, because of the silk being in good shape. I'm glad I didn't give it to one of my children to play with. I was going to say. To play dolls with. Really, have one of the kids take it to school. I'm not sure. I'm not sure at all. You have a very interesting, you don't know what it is here. No, I don't. But who'd you get it from? My aunt, who performed at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. She had several significant male friends. Sounds like she was having fun. And this was a gift from a paramour. That's all I know about it. Dating to approximately 1895, this extraordinary antique lady's purse is crafted from rich 14-carat gold. and decorated with an intricate combination of diamonds, sapphires, and elaborate pierced metalwork. Its exterior features a beautiful floral pattern created through a painstaking technique known as piercing, in which an artisan carefully cuts tiny openings into the gold using a fine saw. An engraver then returns to add the delicate decorative details, Making the entire process exceptionally time-consuming. The purse contains approximately three ounces of fourteen carat gold, complemented by around three quarters of a carat of diamonds and one and a half carats of calibrated sapphires. These sapphires were precisely cut to uniform measurements, Allowing them to fit together neatly within the decorative design. Despite arriving in a Cartier box, the purse carries no Cartier signature. Although that doesn't entirely rule out a connection to the famous jewelry house, its maker remains unidentified. Originally, the interior would have contained a silk lining divided into two or three compartments, providing space for money and other small personal belongings. That original lining is now missing, revealing the unfinished interior beneath it. Interestingly, this late 19th century accessory could still serve a practical purpose today. Its compact design makes it suitable for carrying modern essentials, such as credit cards, while its elaborate gold construction gives it considerable antique appeal. I think that this would sell somewhere in the range of $3,000 to $4,000. Among a remarkable collection of 20th century luxury accessories, This striking Italian evening purse stands out for its substantial gold construction and dazzling jeweled clasp. Dating to the 1950s, the handbag features a beautifully woven body made entirely of 18-carat gold, giving it an elegant texture and considerable weight. Its elaborate clasp is decorated with sparkling diamonds and rich green emeralds, creating a luxurious contrast against the warm golden surface. The 1950s marked a period of renewed prosperity and glamour, When elaborate evening accessories became an important part of women's fashion. Precious metal handbags like this were not simply practical accessories, they were expressions of wealth, craftsmanship, and personal style. The Italian workmanship is particularly evident in the intricate woven construction, which required considerable skill to produce. One of the most astonishing details is the amount of gold used in its creation. The handbag alone contains approximately 300 pennyweights of gold, making its intrinsic metal value substantial even before accounting for its gemstones, design, and craftsmanship. Although its original maker remains unidentified, it was likely sold through a luxury retailer in New York. Just the gold alone weighs 300 pennyweights, which today is worth $14,000. We're just really grateful about it. So it's exciting. When I take the rest into account, including the design, We're just really excited. I'm really excited. Let me drop in this gentleman. the craftsmanship, and the materials used, Yeah? All right. I would say at auction that evening bag is worth about $20,000. $100,000. My mother passed away in 1980 and we inherited this. She was originally from New York City, grew up in New York City. Her grandmother lived there, and this belonged to her grandmother. It's a decorative purse, actually, with, we think, an amethyst stone on it. My mother said her grandmother referred to it as her mad money purse. Created around 1890, this remarkable Victorian coin purse is crafted from 14-carat yellow gold and features an impressive amethyst mounted at the top. Weighing approximately 10 carats, the rich purple gemstone provides a striking contrast against the delicate golden mesh construction. The flexible mesh remains in exceptionally good condition, with no tears or broken sections, something rarely seen in surviving purses of this age. An ingenious feature of this little accessory is its expandable design. The purse opens and stretches outward, creating enough room to hold coins and other small valuables. Even the original connecting rivets, which are frequently damaged or broken on similar examples, remain intact. The piece belongs to the late Victorian era, a period closely associated with America's Gilded Age, when luxurious personal accessories reflected the growing prosperity And refined tastes of wealthy society. Its maker's mark reveals another fascinating detail. It was produced by Carter, Gough and Company, a Newark-based jewelry manufacturer known for creating fine pieces during this period. The interior also carries a clear 14-carat gold stamp, confirming its precious metal composition. Interestingly, small coin purses like this were sometimes carried as personal emergency funds, which explains the charming nickname often associated with them, mad money purses. Do you have any idea of its value? No, I don't. If it's 14-carat gold, obviously it has a gold value, but no, I don't. Similar examples, retail, are between $5,000 and $7,000. Ah, hoo-ha. Hoo-ha, I love it. Hoo-ha. Purchased in 1931, this extraordinary beaded evening purse combines elaborate decorative artistry with luxurious materials, making it a particularly unusual example of early 20th century fashion accessories. The upper section of the bag is crafted from 18-carat gold and features beautifully incorporated jade plaques, adding an elegant touch of color and refinement to its To its construction. What makes this purse especially fascinating is its intricate beaded decoration. Both the front and back display magnificent winged griffins, mythical creatures traditionally depicted with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. In ancient mythology, griffins were often associated with strength, protection, and guardianship of valuable treasures, making them a fitting decorative motif for such an elaborate luxury accessory. Beaded handbags became particularly fashionable during the early decades of the 20th century, when skilled artisans created intricate patterns using thousands of tiny beads. However, finding an example that combines such detailed beadwork with 18-carat gold and genuine jade is considerably more unusual. The combination of precious materials and mythical imagery gives this piece a distinctive character. Preserved as a family heirloom since its original purchase, this beautiful purse represents a fascinating intersection of jewelry craftsmanship and decorative fashion from the 1930s. And I would place a retail value on the bag between $4,000 and $5,000. $10,000. It's a beautiful piece. Thank you so very much. You're welcome. It's my pleasure. It was donated to my charity, which is a woman's boutique. Dating to approximately 1915, this exquisite beaded satchel is a remarkable example of of early 20th century luxury accessory design. Its delicate construction features hundreds of natural pearls, each individually hand-strung and carefully sewn onto the surface, creating an intricate texture that gives the purse its distinctive appearance. The pearl decoration continues into the hanging tassel, adding another layer of detail to this beautifully crafted piece. The satchel features a drawstring closure threaded through decorative green rings with matching green beads and a coordinating tassel accentuating its design. Although these elements might initially resemble jade, they are actually made from natural green onyx that has been dyed to achieve the rich color associated with jade. Even more impressive, the delicate edging around the purse is decorated with genuine diamonds. Inside, the satchel is lined with soft kid leather, reflecting the attention to detail involved in its original construction. Although it carries no maker's mark or indication of its manufacturer, its design and craftsmanship suggest that it was most likely produced in America. What makes this purse particularly desirable is its natural pearl decoration. Unlike cultured pearls, natural pearls form without human intervention, and are considerably rarer. Growing collector interest and rising market prices for natural pearls have made antique accessories containing them especially valuable. This at auction would be somewhere between six thousand and eight thousand dollars. I always wondered... If people were faking it when they were so speechless with the price. But now I know, really? Yes. Oh, yes. And it's really because of the natural pearls. It's because the market on natural pearls has just exploded. Thank you for the news. Well, thank you. I'm glad you like the news. It's always good to get good news, isn't it? Absolutely. What a treat. Do not put it in a safety deposit box. The cases are made of steel and it creates this weird atmosphere and it's not good for these. So these were my grandmother's bags we called her granny and she had such a flair. I remember her carrying this one and the other two I just remember. Getting them, going through her things when she passed away. I don't remember her carrying this one. I would have been afraid to see that one as a kid. I was like, ah! That would have been a little too much for me. That is a reaction a lot of people have to that type of bag. Right? So her name was Freddie Mae Glover. Okay. And so hence the F on this bag. This fascinating collection of three vintage handbags showcases the bold creativity and distinctive fashion trends of the 1940s, 1950s, And early 1960s, each purse has its own personality, ranging from an elaborately decorated satin evening bag to an unusual lizard skin handbag and an unforgettable alligator purse. The first example is a beautifully hand-stitched creation by Patricia of Miami. Its satin surface features an elaborate floral arrangement formed from gold bugle beads with delicate pearl scrollwork surrounding a prominent letter F. Even the monogram is incorporated into the floral design, making it a particularly unusual personalized accessory. The company was also known for producing distinctive plastic and lucite handbags. Another standout is a later Later handbag by Sydney of California. Dating to the late 1950s or early 1960s, made from lizard skin in an uncommon combination of cream and grayish black tones, it features a central black suede panel. Unlike the more frequently encountered black or brown examples, this unusual color combination gives the purse additional appeal among vintage fashion collectors. The oldest and perhaps most controversial piece dates to the 1940s. This extraordinary Cuban souvenir handbag is made from an entire alligator skin, complete with its head, legs, and distinctive body shape. Such accessories became popular among American tourists visiting Cuba, who often brought them home as unusual vacation souvenirs. A value on this one in this condition would probably be about $150, maybe $200. This one is in about the same range. This is a little bit harder for us. A retail sale in that you have to find another person who's got an F initial. And then this one is in the $300 to $350 range. What? Yeah, so this is... Oh, my gosh. Well, this one is in the best condition. It would look the most stylish and sort of fit in with contemporary clothing. Who knew? Because honestly, they've been living in my closet. Okay. So let's get them out. I'm going to have my little purse on. They're like, Carla, where are you going? To get the mail. These are from my mother's collection. She purchased them in Dallas at Neiman Marcus from Stanley Marcus in the 60s or the 70s. She carried them to balls and they were quite unusual and I think they're very beautiful. These extraordinary evening handbags are creations of Judith Lieber. One of the most celebrated names in luxury handbag design, dating from the 1960s and 1970s, the collection showcases the designer's unmistakable approach to fashion, combining elaborate embellishments, playful shapes, and exceptional craftsmanship. From dazzling jeweled surfaces to imaginative animal-inspired designs and a beautifully sculpted seashell, each bag demonstrates a completely different expression of her creativity. Born in Budapest, Judith Leiber arrived in the United States after World War II and established her own handbag company in 1963. She quickly developed a reputation for producing extravagant evening bags that stood apart from conventional American accessories. Her creations were particularly popular among celebrities and wealthy socialites, while some examples eventually entered prestigious museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian. One of the most distinctive aspects of Leiber's work was her attention to detail. Many of her designs featured individually hand-applied crystals and decorative stones, with skilled craftsmen carefully assembling each element to achieve an exceptionally refined finish. Her famous novelty handbags, often inspired by animals, objects, and natural forms, transformed ordinary accessories into miniature works of art. The collection includes several particularly desirable examples, especially the iconic seashell design, which has become one of her recognizable creations. Its documented history and distinctive appearance make it especially attractive to collectors. This one from 1963 would now be worth about $600. $600. This one, all these stones are hand-done. She had craftsmen do everything very, very neatly. And this would be worth between $600 and $700. Now this one, which is the shell bag, it's very well documented, and people just love the shell bag. I would say this at auction would be about $1,200. Wow. That's impressive. That's great to hear, as my mother has a collection of about 20 Judith Leiber handbags, so that's very nice of her. This handbag was given to me by a choir member that I used to do favors for, as far as picking her up for choir and attending church. This elegant, pearlized Lucite handbag is a beautiful example of the distinctive accessory designs that became fashionable during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its translucent surface features a delicate pearlescent pattern that creates a soft, shimmering effect, giving the bag an appearance quite different from traditional leather or fabric handbags. The piece is also signed by its manufacturer, Willardy, a well-known name in the American Lucite handbag industry. During the mid-20th century, lucite became an increasingly popular material for fashion accessories. This lightweight, durable plastic allowed designers to experiment with sculptural shapes, unusual textures and decorative finishes that were difficult to achieve with conventional materials. Willardy became particularly recognized for producing distinctive handbags that combined innovative plastic designs with elegant hardware. One of the most interesting features of this example is its unusual domed top. Earlier, Lucite handbags frequently featured flatter silhouettes, whereas this design offers a more spacious interior. Its beautifully shaped handle is another thoughtful detail, beginning as two separate sections before joining together at the center for a more comfortable grip. The hardware throughout the bag is made of brass, complementing its pearlescent exterior. The combination of its recognizable manufacturer, attractive finish, and unusual construction makes this a desirable example of vintage American handbag design. Unlike many ordinary plastic accessories, signed Willardy creations have attracted interest from collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship and distinctive styling of the period. I would place a retail value on this bag between $300 and $400. Wow. So it's a lovely gift. Absolutely. Back in the early 70s, we lived with a next-door neighbor who was a saddle maker. And I had asked him if he would make a purse for me. I think I got it about 74 or 75. Created around 1974 to 1975, this distinctive hand-tooled leather handbag is a beautiful example of traditional American saddlery craftsmanship finding its way into fashion. Rather than being mass-produced in a factory, the purse was specially made by a professional saddle-maker, bringing techniques traditionally associated with Western riding equipment into an everyday fashion accessory. Hand-tooled leatherwork is an intricate process that requires considerable skill. Artisans use specialized stamping tools and carving techniques to create decorative patterns directly on the leather surface. Each impression is carefully made by hand, allowing the craftsman to produce detailed designs with depth and texture. This approach has long been associated with western saddles, belts, and other leather goods, making handmade handbags like this particularly distinctive. One especially charming detail is the personalization incorporated into the design. The owner's name, Ginger, appears in sterling silver, adding a luxurious touch to the otherwise rustic leather construction. This combination of traditional leatherworking and precious metal detailing gives the purse a unique character and makes it more than just an ordinary handmade Handbag. This was a purse from my great-grandmother. I don't know much about it. I've had it in a drawer in my dresser for a long time. Dating to approximately 1905 to 1910, this delicate antique purse is an exquisite example of early 20th century gold craftsmanship. Its entire exterior is constructed from 14 karat gold mesh, creating a beautifully flexible, shimmering surface that gives the accessory an elegant appearance. Unlike ordinary handbags, this miniature design combines jewelry-like construction with the practicality of a personal cosmetic accessory. One of its most charming features is the original powder compartment, which still contains its little powder puff and a small mirror. Even the decorative pink silk bow remains intact, adding a delicate touch to the otherwise luxurious gold construction. The opposite side opens to reveal the main pouch, demonstrating how these fashionable accessories were designed to serve multiple purposes. During the early 1900s, compact purses and vanity accessories were popular among fashionable women, Particularly for evening occasions and social gatherings. Gold mesh examples were especially desirable because they combined precious materials with intricate metalworking techniques. Preserving original components such as the mirror, powder puff, and silk decoration makes surviving examples even more interesting to collectors. The most significant factor in this purse's value is its solid 14-carat gold construction. With gold prices rising considerably around the time of its appraisal, its precious metal content contributed substantially to its market appeal. So auction value I would say between three thousand and five thousand dollars. Okay, wow. How did you get these? I'm a collector and I just love purses. I have more at home but I think these are three of the best. I love Art Deco stuff. These striking Art Deco purses demonstrate how an unconventional material transformed the world of fashion accessories during the early 20th century. All three are made from Bakelite, an early synthetic plastic developed by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland, who patented the material in 1908. Known for its durability, rich colors, and ability to be molded into elaborate shapes, Bakelite quickly became a popular choice for decorative jewelry and fashionable accessories. The purses showcase the bold geometric designs and distinctive styling associated with the Art Deco movement. One example carries the mark of Llewellyn, while the others demonstrate how beautifully Bakelite could be shaped, even without an identifiable manufacturer's signature. Once considered an inexpensive alternative to traditional materials, these colorful plastic accessories have since become highly sought-after collectibles. Bakelite's popularity has also extended beyond handbags, with vintage radios, jewelry, and other decorative objects attracting growing interest among collectors. As appreciation for early plastics has increased, particularly for unusual Art Deco designs, well-preserved examples have become increasingly desirable. The appraisal also included a particularly rare Bakelite accessory, a Philadelphia bracelet. Recognized for its distinctive classic design, this extraordinary piece was valued significantly higher than the purses. But purses like this run for between about $500 to about $1,000 to about $1,500. ten hundred dollars So you've really done just a great job. It's very classic Bakelite design. It's called the Philadelphia bracelet. And I'm going to say conservatively, it's worth between $6,000 and $8,000. $10,000. And I've asked a couple of other experts here, and we feel it could be even worth a little bit more than that. I don't know. This is a photo of your grandfather working in his shop, and he was a platinum jeweler. Yes, he was. Now tell us about this great piece. My grandfather made this platinum glove for my grandmother right after they got married. At first glance, this unusual accessory might easily be mistaken for an elaborate piece of jewelry. But it is actually a rare cut steel handbag dating to the 1920s. Constructed from countless tiny steel elements woven together, the purse has a distinctive metallic appearance that resembles precious platinum. Its unusual shape and flexible construction reflect the creativity of European accessory makers during the Art Deco era. Cut steel accessories became particularly fashionable during the 18th and 19th centuries and continued to appear in decorative fashion pieces into the early 20th century. The technique involved shaping and polishing small steel components, often with faceted surfaces that reflected light like gemstones. These elements were then assembled into intricate patterns, producing accessories with a remarkable sparkle without relying on precious metals. This particular example was most likely manufactured in Germany or neighboring Austria, where skilled metalworkers produced finely crafted cut steel accessories. Its original design included a drawstring opening at the top, allowing it to function as a small evening purse. Women could place a colorful handkerchief inside, changing its appearance to complement different outfits. Although it was initially mistaken for a platinum glove, its actual material tells a very different story. The purse was identified as cut steel rather than platinum, and the missing drawstring section has also affected its condition. It's worth about $350. three hundred and fifty dol lars Fantastic. Thank you. If this was platinum, we're talking $10,000 to $15,000. thousand dollars Wow. I collected them because I have such respect for them. They were always such humble items, but some woman worked hours, maybe days, on every single item because they're all, for the most part, hand-woven and even hand-spun. These remarkable women's accessories offer a fascinating glimpse into everyday fashion from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when handmade textile pieces served many of the same purposes as modern handbags. Among the collection are several beautifully preserved fabric pockets, an early apron, and a small purse dating to 1812, each representing a different aspect of women's daily lives during this period. Long before modern handbags became commonplace, women relied on detachable pockets tied around their waists beneath their dresses. These practical accessories were accessed through openings in the sides of their gowns and provided space for carrying everything from watches and jewelry to money and personal notes, often made from simple woven fabrics. They were individually hand-stitched and could take hours or even days to complete. The collection also includes an exceptionally rare apron Dating to approximately 1805. Its distinctive construction features a narrow seam across the back, a detail that helps identify the garment's early period of manufacture. Such everyday clothing accessories rarely survive in good condition, making examples like this particularly interesting to textile historians and collectors. Another highlight is the small 1812 purse, which demonstrates the continued importance of handmade fabric accessories before the development of modern handbag designs. Although these objects were created for practical everyday use rather than luxury, their historical significance and intricate craftsmanship make them increasingly desirable. I would value the apron at about $1,500. Oh, well, that's a good thing. And the pockets at about $1,000. That's wonderful. And I would value this purse here. Yes. Which is dated 1812 at about $1,500. Oh, that's wonderful. So if I begin to think about the value of your collection, It's worth quite a lot of money, you know, $6,000 to $8,000. Oh, my goodness. Well, thank you very much. Dating to approximately 1900, this beautiful hand-beaded purse is an exceptional example of the intricate decorative craftsmanship that defined fashionable women's accessories at the turn of the 20th century. Its front and back feature elaborate floral patterns created entirely from individually applied beads, showcasing the patience and precision required to produce such detailed designs. The symmetrical decoration gives the purse an elegant appearance, making it a particularly attractive piece for collectors of antique fashion accessories. During the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, beaded handbags became increasingly popular, with skilled artisans creating elaborate floral arrangements, geometric patterns, and colorful decorative scenes. These accessories were often made using thousands of tiny beads, carefully arranged to transform ordinary handbags into miniature works of decorative art. One particularly important feature of this example is its original interior lining. Although the lining has suffered some damage over time, its survival actually adds to the purse's historical authenticity. Collectors often prefer original materials, even when imperfect, rather than replacements or extensive restoration that can compromise an antique's originality. I would value this purse. It's basically a museum-quality purse, and it would be somewhere around $1,000 to $1,200. $1,500. Just beautiful. Thank you so much for bringing it in. You're welcome. Thank you very much. This is a bead bag purse that I bought on a trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota on a little antique outing. I didn't know much about it, but I just fell in love with it. I paid $175 for it. Dating to approximately 1915 to 1925, this extraordinary French beaded purse is an impressive example of the elaborate craftsmanship that made European evening accessories so desirable during the early 20th century. What immediately sets it apart is its remarkable size. Most surviving beaded handbags from this period are considerably smaller, making this unusually large example particularly special. Both sides feature an identical floral arrangement created using multiple colors of tiny glass beads, with an astonishing density of approximately 150 beads per square inch. The intricate decoration extends to the handles, which are also embroidered with glass beads on both sides. Altogether, the purse weighs nearly six pounds, an indication of just how much material and painstaking workmanship went into its construction. Its exceptional detailing suggests a French origin. Interestingly, American-made beaded purses of the period often included a distinctive white bead within one section of the design. A feature absent from this example, this provides another clue supporting its European manufacture. The interior is equally fascinating, retaining what appears to be its original hand-sewn cotton satin lining, decorated with an attractive geometric pattern reminiscent of the Art Deco era. The purse also preserves its original mirror and an unusual sliding locking mechanism, while its hardware is made from stamped steel rather than sterling silver. I would say on today's market a purse of this exceptional quality would bring around two thousand dollars. Oh that's wonderful, that's wonderful, thank you.