I’ve been collecting vintage purses for over a decade, and I can tell you there’s something magical about holding a piece of fashion history in your hands. These aren’t just accessories; they’re windows into the past that tell stories about the women who carried them.
You might think all old purses are valuable, but that’s not quite true. The vintage purse market has its own rules, and knowing what to look for can mean the difference between finding a treasure and buying an overpriced relic.
Whether you’re cleaning out your grandmother’s closet or browsing estate sales, this guide will help you spot the gems and understand what makes certain vintage purses worth serious money.
Table of Contents
The Evolution of Vintage Purses
Vintage purses really started gaining momentum in the early 1900s when women began carrying more personal items. Before that, most women relied on small drawstring bags or simply tucked essentials into their clothing.
The 1920s and 1930s brought us the golden age of beaded and mesh purses. Companies like Whiting & Davis created intricate metal mesh bags that are still highly sought after today. These weren’t mass-produced items; they required skilled craftsmen and quality materials.
Post-war fashion in the 1940s and 1950s changed everything. Suddenly, purses became status symbols. Brands like Judith Leiber, Koret, and Rialto started creating structured handbags that matched specific outfits. This is when we really see the birth of the designer handbag concept that dominates today’s market.
What Makes Vintage Purses Valuable
Brand recognition plays a huge role in determining value. Names like Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton command top dollar, but don’t overlook lesser-known quality makers like Coblentz, Morris Moskowitz, or Josef.
The condition and craftsmanship matter more than age alone. I’ve seen 1960s purses sell for more than 1920s pieces simply because they were better preserved. Look for intact hardware, minimal wear on corners, and original interior linings.
Materials tell the story of a purse’s worth. Genuine leather, real tortoiseshell, authentic beadwork, and precious metal clasps all add value. The weight of a purse often indicates quality; cheaper vintage pieces feel flimsy while well-made bags have substantial heft.
Fun Fact: The most expensive vintage purse ever sold was a 1955 Hermès Kelly bag that fetched over $300,000 at auction in 2022.
28 Recently Sold Vintage Purses Worth Your Attention
Numbers don’t lie. When you want to understand what vintage purses are actually worth, you need to look at what people are paying for them right now.
I’ve been tracking recent sales across major auction sites and estate sales, and the results might surprise you. Some lesser-known makers are commanding serious prices while certain “designer” pieces are sitting unsold. The market is telling us exactly what collectors value most.
Here are 28 vintage purses that sold recently, along with their final prices. These aren’t asking prices or wishful thinking. These are real transactions that happened in the past few months.
1. Lloyd Kiva Handmade Leather Purse – $1,400
This 1950s piece proves that Native American craftsmanship holds serious value in today’s market. Lloyd “Kiva” New created this pink leather beauty with an embellishment designed by Charles Loloma, and collectors clearly recognize the significance.
The buttery soft leather and brass hardware details make this more than just a purse. It’s wearable art. Even with minor scratches and a pen mark inside, it commanded top dollar because authentic pieces from this collaboration are incredibly rare.
2. Victorian 9k Gold Chatelaine Purse – $1,395
At just 2.49 inches long, this tiny gold mesh purse packs a big punch. The delicate gold strands and dangling beads show the incredible craftsmanship of Victorian era artisans.
What makes this special is the versatility. The bale lets you wear it as a necklace, which explains why someone paid nearly $1,400 for something so small. At 13.2 grams of 9k gold, the metal value alone makes this a smart buy.
3. Sterling Silver Flapper Compact Purse – $1,200
This 1920s piece from B F combines three functions in one gorgeous package. It’s got rouge and powder compacts, two mirrors, and opens up to reveal a small purse compartment.
The enamel guilloche work and jeweled closure represent the height of Art Deco design. At 134 grams and measuring 13.5 inches from strap to tassels, it’s substantial enough to make a statement. The hallmark confirms its authenticity, which collectors demand at this price point.
4. Rue McClanahan’s Black Beaded Purse – $1,000
Celebrity provenance always adds value, and this formal beaded purse owned by the Golden Girls star proves the point. The Art Deco styling and excellent condition justify the four-figure price.
Black beaded purses from this era are common, but when you can prove a famous actress owned it, suddenly you’re in collector territory. The satan lining and intricate beadwork show this was a high-quality piece even before it gained celebrity status.
5. Waldybag Handpainted Floral Purse – $800
H. Wald & Co made some seriously undervalued pieces in the 1940s, and this handpainted micro beaded beauty proves it. Made in England, the floral design on black silk shows incredible attention to detail.
At 6.5″ x 8.5″ x 2.5″, it’s perfectly sized for evening events. The fact that it’s maintained excellent condition after 80 years speaks to the quality of materials and construction. Smart collectors are finally recognizing Waldybag’s craftsmanship.
6. Sterling Silver Evening Purse – $750
This 1970s crossbody weighs 360 grams of solid sterling silver, which immediately explains the price. The intricate floral etchings cover every surface, and the 46-inch fishtail chain can be removed to convert it into a clutch.
The 5.5″ x 4″ x 2.25″ size makes it practical for actual use, not just display. When you’re buying nearly three-quarters of a pound of sterling silver in purse form, $750 starts looking reasonable.
7. Late 1800s Micro Beaded Purse – $722
Sometimes condition doesn’t matter when the piece is rare enough. This Art Nouveau era purse sold “as is” because serious collectors know how few examples from this period survive.
The micro beading technique used here required incredible skill, and the multi-colored design shows the artistic ambitions of late 19th century craftsmen. Even with condition issues, the historical significance drove the price above $700.
8. Judith Leiber Crystal Clutch – $650
Judith Leiber pieces hold their value better than almost any other designer. This mid-1990s crystal clutch shows slight wear and missing accessories, but collectors don’t care.
The 6.25″ x 8″ hardshell construction and rhinestone work represent Leiber at her most commercial, yet most collectible. The slight kink in the strap and minor discoloration couldn’t stop this from reaching $650.
9. Coach Taft 9980 Green Leather – $600
The 1995 Coach Taft in this rich green proves that 1990s pieces are becoming seriously collectible. Made in the USA during Coach’s quality heyday, this represents everything collectors love about vintage Coach.
The seller called it their “prized purse,” and the excellent condition with perfect hardware shows why. As Coach moves more production overseas, USA-made pieces like this become increasingly valuable.
10. Indian Sterling Silver Clutch – $575
Hand-chased floral patterns on sterling silver never go out of style. This Indian-made piece weighs 360.1 grams and shows the incredible metalwork skills that make subcontinental craftsmanship so desirable.
The patina from aging actually adds character rather than detracting from value. When you’re dealing with this much sterling silver and this level of hand craftsmanship, $575 represents solid value.
11. Asprey London Alligator Purse – $495
Asprey’s reputation for luxury extends back over 200 years, and this alligator purse with 10k gold hardware shows why. Even with some corner wear and a slight tear, the name and materials commanded serious money.
The 11″ base tapering to 9″ at the clasp creates classic proportions, while the gold hallmarks inside confirm authenticity. British luxury goods from this era are becoming increasingly sought after.
12. The Bridge Firenze Leather Bag – $495
Italian leather craftsmanship from Tuscany doesn’t come cheap, and this cognac-colored saddle bag shows why. The Bridge has built a reputation for quality that justifies premium pricing.
Being new with tags obviously helped the final price, but the magnetic closure and adjustable strap show thoughtful design. When Italian leather goods are made properly, they age beautifully and hold value.
13. 1950s Evans Minaudiere – $475
Evans created some stunning compact carryalls in the 1950s, and this rhinestone-covered piece represents their best work. The silver finish and intact stones make this a standout example.
Minaudieres were the height of sophistication in the 1950s, combining makeup compact, mirror, and small purse in one elegant package. The fact that no stones are missing makes this especially valuable.
14. Coach Bonnie Cashin Kiss Lock – $460
Bonnie Cashin’s designs for Coach in the 1960s-70s represent some of the brand’s most innovative work. This double kiss lock bag in warm brown leather shows her architectural approach to handbag design.
The brass hardware and thick, soft leather without lining create a distinctly modern feel. Even with the slight lopsided storage issue, Cashin collectors recognize the design significance.
15. Tiffany & Co Crocodile Evening Bag – $450
When Tiffany & Co puts their name on something, you pay attention. This burgundy crocodile piece made in West Germany shows the international reach of American luxury brands in the 1950s.
The gold Tiffany logo hardware and included mirror show attention to detail. At 5.75″ x 6.5″ x 1.5″ with a 24.75″ strap drop, it’s perfectly proportioned for evening wear.
16. Enid Collins Sophistikit Cat Purse – $429
Enid Collins created some of the most whimsical and collectible purses of the 1960s. This wood and leather “Sophistikit” with cat theme shows her playful approach to design.
The fact that no jewels are missing is crucial for Collins collectors. These wood box bags were meant to be conversation pieces, and this one delivers with its cat sophistication theme.
17. Lilly Pulitzer Strawberry Basket – $437
Lilly Pulitzer’s 1960s wicker pieces are becoming seriously collectible, and this strawberry basket shows why. The white wicker with red, white, and blue trim captures the preppy aesthetic perfectly.
The felt strawberries and plastic accent show attention to whimsical details. The interior mirror and bumblebee accent prove that even casual pieces got luxury treatment from Pulitzer.
18. Louis Vuitton Batignolles Monogram – $400
Even well-loved Louis Vuitton holds value, and this 2005 Batignolles shows why. The classic monogram pattern and dark brown leather represent timeless French luxury.
The horizontal version offers more space than the vertical, making it practical for daily use. The fact that it’s “well loved” actually proves its durability and quality construction.
19. Barry Kieselstein-Cord Drawstring – $400
Kieselstein-Cord created some of the most unique luxury accessories of the 1990s. This red leather drawstring with ladybug and turtle details shows his artistic approach to handbag design.
The scuffs and aging signs couldn’t diminish collector interest because authentic Kieselstein-Cord pieces are becoming increasingly rare. The frog closure adds whimsical charm to serious craftsmanship.
20. 1920s Boudoir Doll Flapper Purse – $405
This elaborate creation combines purse and decorative doll in one stunning piece. The gold metallic lace, sequins, rhinestones, and seed bead fringe represent the height of 1920s excess.
The camphor glass rhinestones and mohair details show incredible attention to period-appropriate materials. Even with minor soiling, collectors recognize how few of these theatrical pieces survive.
21. Gucci Canteen Crossbody – $400
Gucci’s 1990s Canteen bag represents the brand at its most innovative. This round crossbody in black leather with gold hardware shows Italian design at its finest.
The fact that it’s been authenticated by both Legit app and Entrupy gives buyers confidence. The cleaned and moisturized leather with no scratches or cracks shows proper care.
22. 1940s Gucci Doctor’s Bag – $395
Gucci’s history extends much further back than most people realize, and this 1940s red doctor’s bag proves it. The classic shape and construction show the Italian craftsmanship that built the brand’s reputation.
Even without the key for the lock and with visible wear, the Gucci name and historical significance drove the price to nearly $400. Early Gucci pieces are becoming increasingly collectible.
23. Rosenfeld Alligator Bakelite Drum – $395
Rosenfeld New York created some of the most innovative shapes in 1940s handbags. This drum-shaped piece with bakelite ends and alligator body shows Art Deco influence at its peak.
The multiple strap handle and zipper top with original mirror and comb make this a complete package. The chocolate brown alligator and bakelite combination is incredibly rare.
24. Handmade Brown Alligator Purse – $375
Sometimes maker unknown doesn’t matter when the quality speaks for itself. This structured alligator handbag shows incredible craftsmanship in its construction and hardware.
The kiss lock closure and multiple pockets (4 outer, 3 inner) show thoughtful design. The gold alligator emblem stamped inside suggests a quality maker even without identification.
25. Whiting & Davis Art Deco Enamel Mesh – $362
Whiting & Davis created the gold standard for mesh purses, and this 1920s enamel piece shows why. The multi-color Art Deco design captures the optimism and style of the Jazz Age.
Whiting & Davis pieces hold value better than almost any other mesh bag maker because collectors recognize the superior construction and materials. The enamel work here is particularly fine.
26. 1925 Art Deco Silver Mesh Coin Purse – $350
This signed silver-plated chain mail piece represents the height of 1920s metalwork. The intricate mesh construction and Art Deco styling show the period’s fascination with modern materials.
Even as a coin purse rather than full-size bag, the quality construction and signed provenance drove the price to $350. Small pieces from this era are often more affordable entry points for collectors.
27. Sterling Silver Filigree Clutch – $330
At 249.6 grams of solid sterling silver, this handmade filigree piece offers serious precious metal value. The flower pattern shows incredible metalwork skill in its execution.
Even with bottom scratches noted in the listing, the sterling silver content and handmade construction justified the price. When you’re buying nearly half a pound of sterling silver, condition becomes less critical.
28. Enid Collins Horse Tote with Silver Quarter – $349
New old stock Enid Collins pieces are collector gold mines. This 1960s horse tote with original 1964 silver quarter and plastic bag shows perfect preservation.
The canvas, leather, and wood construction with tan color represents Collins’ signature style. The original silver quarter embedded in the design adds numismatic value to artistic value.
How to Identify Vintage Purses
You’ve seen what these purses are selling for, but how do you know if what you’re holding is the real deal? The vintage purse market is full of reproductions, fantasy pieces, and outright fakes designed to fool inexperienced buyers.
Authentication isn’t just about protecting your wallet. It’s about preserving the integrity of collecting and making sure these historical pieces maintain their value for future generations.
Understanding Vintage Purse Categories
Not all old purses are vintage, and not all vintage purses are collectible. The market recognizes several distinct categories, each with different value propositions and authentication challenges.
True Vintage (1920s-1970s): These are the heavy hitters. Purses from this era used quality materials and construction techniques that are rarely seen today. Look for hand-sewn details, real leather linings, and substantial hardware.
Retro Revival (1980s-1990s): This period saw renewed interest in vintage styles, but with modern manufacturing. Quality varies wildly. Some pieces rival vintage construction while others are cheaply made nostalgia cash-grabs.
Contemporary Vintage-Style: Modern purses designed to look old. These can be beautiful and well-made, but they’re not vintage and shouldn’t be priced as such.
The key is learning to spot the difference between authentic period pieces and later interpretations.
Recognizing Authentic Brands
Brand authentication separates casual collectors from serious investors. Knowing what to look for can save you thousands and help you spot opportunities others miss.
| Tier | Brands | Key Authentication Points | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Premium | Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton | Serial numbers, date codes, specific hardware styles | $500-$50,000+ |
| High-End Designer | Gucci, Judith Leiber, Bottega Veneta | Logo placement, material quality, construction details | $200-$5,000 |
| Quality American | Coach, Bonnie Cashin, Enid Collins | Made in USA stamps, specific design elements | $100-$2,000 |
| Specialty Makers | Whiting & Davis, Evans, Koret | Maker marks, period-appropriate materials | $50-$1,500 |
Hermès Authentication: Look for the blind stamp (not printed) indicating year and craftsman. The stitching should be perfect saddle stitch with no loose threads. Hardware weight and plating quality are immediately obvious when compared to fakes.
Coach Vintage Markers: Pre-1990s Coach used specific leather stamps and brass hardware. The “Coach” script evolved over decades. Early pieces have simple stamps while later ones became more elaborate.
Judith Leiber Signatures: Every authentic Leiber piece is numbered and signed. The crystal work uses Austrian crystals with specific setting techniques. Weight is always substantial due to the metal frame construction.
Material Authentication Techniques
Materials tell the truth when everything else can be faked. Learning to identify authentic materials protects you from expensive mistakes.
Leather Quality Tests:
- Real vintage leather develops patina over time, not uniform aging
- Bend test: quality leather flexes without cracking
- Smell test: authentic leather has a rich, complex aroma, not chemical sharpness
- Texture examination: hand-finished leather shows natural grain variations
Hardware Verification:
- Vintage brass tarnishes naturally but can be polished to original shine
- Plated hardware shows wear at contact points first
- Magnetic test: authentic vintage hardware is usually brass or steel, not cheap alloys
- Weight comparison: quality hardware feels substantial
Fabric and Lining Indicators:
- Period-appropriate lining materials (rayon in 1940s, specific synthetics in later decades)
- Hand-finished seams in luxury pieces
- Label construction and typography matching brand standards
- Zipper types and manufacturers appropriate to the era
Construction Quality Markers
How a purse is made reveals more about authenticity than any label. Mass-produced fakes can’t replicate the hand-finishing found in quality vintage pieces.
Hand vs. Machine Construction: Look at the stitching closely. Hand-sewn pieces show slight variations in stitch length and tension. Machine stitching from vintage luxury makers is perfectly consistent but uses techniques not found in modern mass production.
Hardware Attachment Methods: Vintage purses use rivets, screws, or hand-set fasteners. Modern cheap reproductions rely on glue or weak snap-in components that fail quickly.
Structural Engineering: Quality vintage purses were built to last decades. The frame construction, strap attachment points, and closure mechanisms all show sophisticated engineering that cheap fakes can’t match.
Red Flags and Common Fakes
Knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to seek. The vintage purse market has specific patterns of forgery that experienced collectors recognize immediately.
Price Red Flags:
- Designer pieces priced too low for condition and rarity
- Sellers who can’t explain pricing or provenance
- “Estate sale finds” with suspicious quantities of high-end pieces
Construction Red Flags:
- Machine stitching that looks too perfect or uses wrong thread types
- Hardware that feels lightweight or shows poor plating
- Materials that don’t match the claimed era (synthetic fabrics in 1940s pieces)
Documentation Issues:
- Missing or incorrect serial numbers for tracked brands
- Provenance stories that don’t add up
- Reluctance to provide additional photos or details
The best defense against fakes is education. Handle authentic pieces whenever possible to develop your eye for quality and construction details that can’t be faked economically.
What Determines Vintage Purse Values? 7 Key Price Factors
The difference between a $50 garage sale find and a $5,000 auction piece often comes down to these core elements. I’ve learned this through years of buying, selling, and watching market trends.
Brand Recognition and Designer Prestige
Brand hierarchy directly impacts pricing, and the market has clear tiers that collectors follow religiously.
| Tier Level | Brands | Typical Price Range | Key Value Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Luxury | Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton | $500-$50,000+ | Exclusivity, craftsmanship, waiting lists |
| High Designer | Gucci, Judith Leiber, Bottega Veneta | $200-$5,000 | Italian craftsmanship, celebrity usage |
| Quality American | Coach, Bonnie Cashin, Enid Collins | $100-$2,000 | Made in USA heritage, design innovation |
| Specialty Makers | Whiting & Davis, Evans, Koret | $50-$1,500 | Technical expertise, period authenticity |
The Lloyd Kiva piece we saw earlier proves that lesser-known makers can command premium prices when they represent significant cultural or artistic movements. Collectors pay for stories as much as they pay for brands.
Age and Historical Significance
Older doesn’t always mean more valuable, but certain decades carry premium pricing because of their cultural impact and surviving quantities.
The 1920s Art Deco pieces command high prices because they represent a pivotal moment in women’s fashion history. The 1950s structured handbags reflect post-war optimism and the birth of modern consumer culture.
Pieces from transitional periods often outperform stable eras. The late 1960s bags that bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern materials frequently surprise sellers with their final prices.
Condition and Preservation Quality
Condition impacts value more than any other single factor after brand recognition. I’ve seen $10,000 purses become $500 pieces because of poor storage or careless handling.
The condition hierarchy works like this:
Mint/New Old Stock: Commands full market value, sometimes premium pricing Excellent: Minor use signs, full functionality, 85-95% of mint value Very Good: Clear use but well-maintained, 60-80% of mint value Good: Functional with visible wear, 40-60% of mint value Fair: Needs restoration, structural issues, 20-40% of mint value
The Sterling Silver Evening Purse we examined earlier sold for $750 despite being from the 1970s because it maintained excellent condition with intact engravings and functional hardware.
Materials and Construction Quality
Weight often indicates value in vintage purses. Cheap pieces feel flimsy while quality bags have substantial heft from proper materials and construction.
Premium materials that drive pricing include:
Exotic Leathers: Alligator, crocodile, and lizard command premium prices Precious Metals: Sterling silver, gold hardware, and mesh construction Natural Materials: Genuine tortoiseshell, mother of pearl, and quality leather Period Beadwork: Hand-sewn beading, especially micro-bead techniques
The Victorian 9k Gold Chatelaine Purse reached $1,395 primarily because of its gold content and intricate construction, not its size or age alone.
Rarity and Production Numbers
Scarcity drives collector competition, especially for pieces from small makers or limited production runs. Mass-produced pieces rarely achieve premium pricing regardless of age or condition.
Custom or one-off pieces consistently outperform production models. The handpainted Waldybag purse commanded $800 because each piece required individual artistic work that couldn’t be replicated at scale.
Limited edition releases, discontinued styles, and pieces from makers who closed their operations all benefit from scarcity premiums.
Provenance and Celebrity Connections
Documented ownership history adds significant value, especially when connected to notable figures. The Rue McClanahan beaded purse reached $1,000 partly because of celebrity provenance.
Estate sales from known collectors also carry premiums because buyers trust the authentication and quality standards of serious collectors.
Documentation matters enormously. Original receipts, authenticity certificates, and provenance letters can double a piece’s value by eliminating authentication concerns.
Functionality and Wearability
Pieces that can still be used command higher prices than display-only items. Modern collectors want bags they can actually carry, not just admire on shelves.
The Coach pieces we examined maintain strong values because they remain functional and stylish for contemporary use. Vintage purses that work with modern lifestyles consistently outperform purely decorative pieces.
Final Thoughts: Building Your Vintage Purse Knowledge
The vintage purse market rewards knowledge and patience above everything else. The collectors making serious money understand that authentication, condition, and market timing matter more than just age or famous names.
Keep learning, keep examining, and most importantly, enjoy the process of discovering these beautiful pieces of fashion history. Every vintage purse tells a story, and now you have the tools to understand what makes some stories worth more than others.
