20th Century Finds - Expand Your Vintage Style With Us

Vintage Handbag Designer Labels & Brands Reference Page

2009-10-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

We have a Reference section on our Site www.20thCenturyFinds.com. One of them is for vintage handbags. This page hosts photographs of vintage handbag brand labels. We provide this pictorial as a courtesy and reference to our visitors, friends and customers. Although there are several for vintage jewelry, we have not seen a photo grouping like this anywhere on the Internet for vintage handbags. We are happy to provide one. We searched through thousands of our photographs to locate and select these. This collection will expand as we add more photographs of bags we previously sold and are currently selling.

Brands include Ande, several brands of L and M, including "After Five" (Lowy and Mund), Corde Bead by Lumured, Ingber, HL, La France, Lewis, MM, Patricia Smith's Moon-Bags, Sharif, Stylecraft, Whiting & Davis and more. Enjoy!

Vintage Earrings Find: Circa 1930's Petite Clear & Green Lucite Earrings Flecked With Gold Leaf; Plus Information About The Vintage Plastic Called Lucite

2009-10-08T01:35:00.000-07:00

We love early-to-mid-century Lucite jewelry. A fabulous find as these earrings are in excellent condition, plus they are smaller in size than most mid-century vintage earrings.

They are petite Lucite earrings flecked with gold leaf. Nice pear shape. The material and style (including their screwbacks) date these as mid-to-late 1930's, possibly early 1940's. Lucite jewelry with embedded gold leaf or materials such as sea shells or glitter is a favorite of ours.

SIZE: 1"x 7/16" (at widest point). Depth is 1/4". PRICE: $30.00 USD

CONDITION: Excellent. No chips or cracks. No scuffs noted with naked eye. One tiny scuff on one earring front was seen under a magnified 10x jewelry loupe.

To view the Information & Purchase Page (I&P Page) on these earrings in our vintage store 20th Century Finds, click here. There you can review eight click-to-enlarge photographs of these pretty earrings.

Some researched information about the material Lucite. We are very careful in what information we provide to our readers and customers. There is so much disinformation about vintage items and materials. We do not need to add to the problem. Long story, but the owner of 20th Century Finds has defended several lawsuits involving plastics in product liability cases in California - don't worry, it has never involved jewelry - so the following has been researched and confirmed.

Acrylic was introduced into the market in the early 1930's. DuPont created their own acrylic glass in the mid 1930's and trademarked it Lucite. Acrylic is the generic name, whereas Lucite is one of the trademarked brands of acrylic. Plexiglas is another trademarked name for acrylic glass. For some reason many jewelry collectors use the term Lucite to mean acrylic, so we do as well.

Acrylic glass is the synthetic thermoplastic resin called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) that is known for its transparency property, and can come in clear or a variety of colors. Here is an example of it in blue.

Pretty, isn't it? This is a preview of a Lucite bangle we will be adding to our 20th Century Finds store this month.

Unlike Bakelite, which is a thermoset plastic, acrylic, which is a thermoplastic, can be molded by applications such as compression. Scratches can be polished out of acrylic glass. We do not recommend that anyone attempt this with their vintage jewelry. An expert should perform such work. We never attempt this on the acrylic items we sell.

Good news for vintage collectors. Acrylic glass does not fade or yellow. It does not have any odor. It is very durable. It does not shatter. But it can crack, so that is a serious consideration when purchasing Lucite jewelry.

Acrylic glass can be carved or laser cut in a manner that allows for such beautiful jewelry pieces as reverse-carved Lucite jewelry. We will be adding reverse-carved Lucite jewelry items to our store for the holiday season. It can also be embedded with items such as gold leaf, shells, glitter and other items, as these pretty earrings, above, show.

The last picture is another sneak preview of a gorgeous sloped-cut Lucite bangle bracelet we will be adding to our store. The clear Lucite is embedded with an iridescent cream-colored thermoplastic. Stunning in person.

Vintage Handbag Find: INGBER Black Patent PERMA PLASTIC Handbag, Circa 1949

2009-10-08T00:41:00.000-07:00

Vintage INGBER patent-style bags are wonderful. This one is such a cutie as well. Black patent vinyl handbag with a doubled-single handle. Beautiful matching piped edge seams. Gold-tone and black metal frame. The frame is unique in that it is laquered black on the sides, which makes it look like the patent continues up onto the frame. Interior is black faille fabric and there are three open pockets. The interior Ingber label has faded, which is common, as it was a stamped label. The second stamp "PermaPlastic" is legible.

SIZE: H: 7" not including handle; L: 7" across top, 10" across widest point; W: 4-3/8". Handle drop to top of frame is 4-3/4". Size measurements are approximate.

PRICE: $40.00 USD

CONDITION: Very good vintage condition. When we look at vintage patent handbags, the handles and ends need to be in excellent condition as they are here. The stitching on the handle is in great condition. No popped stitches. None missing. There are no cracks on the sides of the bag where it folds at the frame. Few minor scuffs from use which is expected. Hard to notice due to the shine. Piped edge seams are beautiful and in excellent condition. Bottom is in good condition as well. Clasp works well. Minimal fading of the gold-tone due to use, as expected. Interior shows minor signs of use. No rips or tears. A delightful bag that will bring you compliments.

To view INGBER vintage handbag's Information & Purchase Page (I&P Page) on 20th Century Finds, click here. There you can review eight click-to-enlarge photographs of this adorable handbag, plus an old 1949 ad of an INGBER bag of the same shape.

All photographs shown in this article and on this blog are copyrighted by J.Jardine dba 20th Century Finds. All rights reserved. 2009. We prosecute violators.

Shipping Vintage Handbags and Vintage Jewelry To Canada

2009-10-08T00:16:00.000-07:00

We wanted to let everyone know that 20th Century Finds has two pages dedicated to our customers living in Canada on information about our policy and rates for shipping vintage jewelry, handbags and other items from our online vintage store 20th Century Finds.

When visiting our vintage store site you can access these pages by clicking the link SHIPPING, which is in the top header of all our site pages. It is also in the pull-down menu when you click on SHOPPING WITH US. This will take you to 20th Century Finds' general page on our Shipping Policy & Rates where there is a link for CANADA.

We include links to the International Mail Manual from the United States Post Office about customs and any restrictions for CANADA. We love our Canadian customers and offer professional, safe and fast shipping of all items purchased at 20th Century Finds.

You can directly access the Shipping Policy & Rates Canada page HERE. There will see a link for a French translation of the page. You can access this translated page HERE.

20th Century Finds' Vintage "Wedding Cake" Rhinestone & Plastic Molded Earrings - in Stylehive

2009-09-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

Title: Vintage "Wedding Cake" Rhinestones & Plastic Molded Earrings - bridal - rhinestones - 20th century finds Stylehive BM 759020
Tags:
bridal
rhinestones
20th century finds
vintage jewelry store
vintage earrings
earrings
vintage jewelry

Price:

33.75 USD
Description: more

These are beautiful earlier 20th Century cream-color rhinestones and molded-plastic earrings that remind us of a wedding cake. Two-piece dangle or chandelier style. Eight rhinestones in each. Clip backs work well and are comfortable. Earring is lightweight but not overly delicate, either.

SIZE: Height: 1-3/4"; Width: 1-1/16"; Depth: 1/4".

CONDITION: Very good to excellent. No cracks or chips in the plastic.

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New Subsection Added to Our Store - Special Selections - Convertible Handbags

2009-09-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

Handbags that have more then one personality are listed in our regular HANDBAG Section of 20th Century Finds online vintage store. They also have their own Subsection under our SPECIAL SELECTIONS Section of the store. Some have removable and reversible covers, or expand to a new shape, or can turn inside-out to reveal a different look and color. The concept for these bags began in the 1800's based on U.S. patents we found that were issued for handbags with removable and exchangeable covers. Here is a sample of what we have in our store.

1950's Vintage Reversible Handbag Black & White Caviar Beads

Close-To-Mint Condition

$120.00

Circa 1950's or earlier reversible handbag in black and white thermoplastic caviar beads. A rare find and one that is in close-to-mint condition. Handles are made of metal and are hinged at the ends, allowing the handles to move in a 180 degree manner for turning the bag inside out. A stylish conversation piece.

SIZE: H: 12"; Measured from bottom to top of opening of bag, 8". L: 9" across top of frame. Rectangular base: 10" x 3.25". Expands up to 5" and more.

CONDITION: Excellent. Close-to-mint. No missing beads on either side. No stains, tears or rips. Seams are in great condition. Simply beautiful.

Reversible Handbag Clutch in Golden Cream & Black Leather
Minty Condition
$85.00

Elegant clutch with a split personality. It is a clutch with the most gorgeous golden-cream-colored leather. It has a light-golden iridescent sheen. Alternatively it is a sleek and modern black leather clutch. In close-to-mint condition as it can get. Never used. No label. Clasp is an elongated bar that goes over a metal ball centerpiece. Works well.

SIZE: H: 6.25". L: 10" across top; 10.5" across bottom; 12.5" across widest point. W: up to 4"

CONDITION: Excellent. New Vintage. Minty condition. No issues found upon inspection. See pictures in our store.

New TRINA, INC. Vintage French-Style, Double-Duty Handbag
That Converts Into A Tote
$45.00

We love well-made handbags that have more than one personality. This one is perfect for a Fall weekend trip. Wonderful thick wool/tweed black fabric and a single PVC handle. New-with-tags vintage. Never used and nicely stored.

The manufacturer's tag reads that this is a French Style Double Duty Carry-All and Handbag, Styled by Trina, Inc. It also explains that the bag's lining, which you see in Picture 5, is lined with nice rubber. The purse section has a zipper closing for convenience and safety. "Folded, it's a purse. Unsnap, it's a carry all." Made in U.S.A. Our guestimate is circa 1960's.

Two usable compartments when folded and unfolded. One side remains the same size at all times. 7" high by 9" wide, with a zipper closure. Include the handle, and it is 12" high. The other comparment is also 7"x9". Unfolded it is 13.25" x 9". Include the handle, and the bag is 18.5" high. Both sides expand out several inches. Size measurements are approximate.

CONDITION: New. Mint. No signs of wear. Metal components are brass. Michigan's Gilmore Brothers Department Store's label is in the lining.

Trina, Inc. produced and sold fashion accessories, from bags, mirrors and umbrellas, from at least 1959 (based on patent and court records) and Gilmore Brothers was selling merchandise even earlier.

L and M Evening Bag - Longer Length

With Removable & Reversible Black Faux Alligator & Brown Vinyl Cover
Bags By Edwards 1957-Patent Handbag
PRICE: $70.00

The classic removable/reversible cover handbag made by Lowy & Mund, Inc., a popular 20th Century handbag company. Circa late 50's to early 60's. U.S. Patent No. 2,809,685 was issued in Oct. 1957 to Edward R. Lowy the inventor of this bag. It is called the Handbag Having Removable Cover in the patent application. This bag has three different personalities. It's a slimmer black faille fabric bag without the cover. Use the cover with the shiny black faux-alligator vinyl side. Or use the other side, a sleek and smooth brown vinyl. "L and M," "Bags By Edwards," "Made in U.S.A." label. Interior is black fabric. Used but clean. One open pocket. Use as a clutch, or take out the attached gold cord chain to carry it on your arm. Chain drop to top of frame is 4.5".

SIZE: H: 5.75" no cover; 6" with cover. L: 10" across top; 11" across bottom. This is longer than the other two L and M removable cover bags we are selling. Size measurements are approximate.

CONDITION: Very good to excellent. Few signs of wear, which is mainly to one side of the metal frame of the cover. See pictures. This style of handbag is featured in a published 2005 collectors' book on handbags and priced up to $110 in good condition.

We also have two other L and M bags with removable covers.

Classic L and M Evening Bag With Removable & Reversible Cream Brocade & Black Fabric Cover
Bag By Edwards 1957-Patent Handbag
PRICE: $85.00

Classic L and M Evening Bag With Removable & Reversible Gold Vinyl & Black Fabric Cover

L and M 1957-Patent Handbag
PRICE: $70.00

Vintage Wallets & Coin Purses

2009-09-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

We added additional vintage wallets and coin purses to 20th Century Finds. Here is a preview of four of the fabulous items we added to our store site yesterday.

New WESTPORT Vintage Women's Black Leather Billfold Wallet
New-In-Box
$42.00 USD

New-in-the box vintage women’s black leather wallet by Westport. The look is sleek and sophisticated when folded closed. Upon opening, it reveals a playful, feminine touch with gold-leaf and white embossed flowers along the coin purse and photo case flaps. Circa 1950’s.

Comes with original manufacturer’s tags and in original box. The inside of the lid of the box is stamped: Perkowski Jewelry Store, Greenville, N.Y. The phone number is crossed out, but it is a number that would have been used in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

SIZE: 3-3/16” x 9” open. 3-3/16 x 4-1/2” when closed.

CONDITION: New vintage condition. Mint.

BOND STREET ORIGINAL Vintage Ostrich Leather Billfold Wallet in Kelly Green
$55.00 USD

A wonderful and gorgeous vintage find. Bond Street wallet in ostrich leather in dyed Kelly green. Moire fabric billfold interior. Coin purse and billfold. Stamped BOND STREET ORIGINAL which has started to fade slightly. Bond Street was founded in 1917 in New York. It is known for well-made, high-quality wallets and accessories.

SIZE: 4-3/16 x 4-1/8 closed. 4-3/16 x 8” opened

CONDITION: Excellent. Close-to-mint.

Circa 1955 WHITING & DAVIS' MESH-MATES Women's Billfold Wallet
Made of Oromesh
In Original Box

$35.00 USD

Vintage Whiting & Davis Mesh-Mates brand women’s billfold wallet in original box. Box reads that the wallet is made of Oromesh. Oro means gold which is the color of this wallet. Interior material is a black satin faille. Snap button closure to coin purse. Long billfold.

We state circa 1955 as Whiting & Davis advertised this wallet in Vogue in 1955 in their Gleam of Her Dreams ad campaign.

SIZE: 3-1/8” x 8” opened. 3-1/8” x 4” when closed.

CONDITION: Good vintage condition. No missing parts to the mesh. There are signs of natural aging and wear to the mesh. We have taken magnified photographs of the wallet for you to review, so it will look even better in person. Interior billfold is clean.

AMITY Vintage Women's Cream & Gold Embossed Cowhide Leather Wallet
New-In-Box
$42.00

This is a vintage new-in-box women's Amity cowhide leather wallet. Pretty gold-leaf embossed floral pattern. Leather is a nice, thick, supple leather. Interior is lined with leather and also a taupe moire fabric. It has its original box. It also has its original manufacturer's tags.

SIZE: 4-1/2" x 4-3/8" x 7/8" closed. 7-5/8" x 4-3/8" when opened.
Box is 4-5/8" x 4-3/8" x 1-1/2".

CONDITION: New vintage. Unused. Excellent condition. Box shows signs of wear from storage and moving. Box has a thick plastic acrylic top.

Successful Site Relaunch of www.20thCenturyFinds.com

2009-09-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

Our site relaunch on September 9, 2009, was a great success. Over 2,000 visits to the store within the first few days. We have a lot more inventory to show, so we will be posting more antique and vintage items every week for the next several months.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW HOME!

Shopping online for quality vintage handbags, jewelry, clothing and accessories should be an easy, rewarding and fun experience. We want you to be happy with your purchases and come back for
more great vintage finds. In creating a venue that, hopefully, will cause such emotions, we asked vintage lovers and customers what they wish to see more and less of on an online vintage store site. Of course, we cannot throw in everything and the antique kitchen sink. Even so, we worked very hard on this site. Within our powers and resources, we will continue to improve it.

HOW ITEMS ARE LISTED FOR YOU

TO BROWSE AND PURCHASE ON 20TH CENTURY FINDS

SECTIONS: Our online store has category Sections and Subsections. Access them through the left bar menu of each page. Items for sale are displayed in all Subsections. Clicking on a vintage item's photograph will lead you to its Information & Purchase Page (I&P Page). Additional sections will be added over time. The following are sample pictures of our VINTAGE JEWELRY Section and a portion of our VINTAGE EARRINGS Subsection page.

SEARCH ENGINE DIRECTORY (SED)

The Search Engine Directory (SED) at www.20thCenturyFinds.com is a supplemental tool for your shopping experience. Access the SED through the menu (SEARCH DIRECTORY) and SEARCH ENGINE buttons found throughout the Site. Search by word or words. A helpful list of search terms is provided. The search result is a line-item list of matches. Click on any line-item to take you to its SED preview profile--a photograph of the item, preview description, and link to its full Information & Purchase Page (I&P Page).

Or you can search by category. The above picture of the SED shows the five categories available. The next pictures, below, appear when you select TYPE, then EARRINGS, CLIP.

From EARRINGS, CLIP we selected the WEDDING CAKE RHINESTONE EARRINGS and its Preview Profile is revealed.

ORDER & PURCHASE VINTAGE ITEMS THROUGH THE I&Ps

For each antique and vintage item for sale at 20th Century Finds, we have created an Information and Purchase Page (I&P Page) for it. You can visit the I&P Page for any item through its Subsection Page or through the SED. For example, if you look at the photographs above, you can visit the I&P Page for the Wedding Cake Rhinestone Earrings either through its SED Preview Profile by clicking on "Link to I&P Page" or by clicking on its photograph in the EARRINGS SUBSECTION. Here is what a portion of its I&P Page looks like:

On its Information & Purchase Page (I&P Page) we provide our opinion of the item's condition. Customers have told us that we underestimate the condition of the items we sell. Good or nice vintage condition, turns into fabulous, fantastic condition.

But since opinion is subjective, . . .
on each I&P Page, you will see at least five photographs of the item for sale.

You can view each of these pictures in enlarged format. Just click on each photograph. You will see what you are buying before you purchase it. We photograph small details. Based on past customers' rave reviews of this practice, your purchase will look even better in person. To see how pleased our customers are with their 20th Century finds, see the Rave Reviews section for comments from our customers from around the world.

Not many online vintage stores include more than one or two pictures of an item. Not all provide photographs that are clean, clear, crisp, and close up, plus enlarge for better viewing. We acknowledge that more resources, costs and time are expended to provide this information. Yet it is very important for you to truly see what you are buying.

Visit our site as there are many more fun and fabulous features to discover, including our SHOWCASES to our REFERENCE SECTION.

EXPAND YOUR VINTAGE STYLE WITH US!

What's Been Added to Our Etsy Shop

2009-06-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

What's Been Added to Our Etsy Shop

We had a great sales month on Etsy thanks to our fabulous customers. Here is a recap of some of the items we recently added to our shop. Visit our Etsy shop's main page.

MORE VINTAGE PEARL EARRINGS IN STOCK

The most popular type of earrings we sell are vintage costume pearl earrings. They are such a classic to have in your collection. We acquired a great collection of pearl earrings recently where we can offer great prices. We added several pairs to our shop. Many are for pierced ears and about half are are chandelier-style with pearl pear-shaped drops. Some are set with prong-set rhinestones. We have some fabulous earrings with channel set rhinestones and pearl drops. Simply gorgeous. Perfect for a June Bride. Priced between $8 to $36.

ROPES AND LONGER NECKLACES

In the 1950's costume pearl designers sold what they called "ropes." We listed several pearl necklaces and long necklaces on Etsy.

We have an old advertisement from one of the pearl designers for these rope pearl necklaces (which we do not have permission to post due to copyright laws). It shows a woman wearing them tied at her waist as a knot. Worn straight and long. Worn as a three strand choker. Worn at the neck knotted, and so on. You could also use them as a thick pearl bracelet. Very cute.

FUN AND FLIRTY HANDBAGS FOR SUMMER

We added several clutches and handbags. Including two darling beaded purses with gate closure tops that are in minty condition. One is made of a cream/off-white fabric with colorful silver-tipped beads. The bag has a matching strap with an expandable metal gate opening. This bag is in fabulous vintage condition. These are much older than they look. Often people think these are from the 1960's or 1970's, but many of these plastic beaded bags go back to the 1940's and are highly collectible and valued.

We listed several peach, cream, white and silver color handbags and clutches. Although several have sold, many wonderful ones are still available. Priced between $13.75 to $58.00.

We listed several more fabulous vintage items in our Etsy shop. Stop by and visit anytime.

New Earrings In Our Etsy Shop

2009-06-02T22:58:00.000-07:00

We are working hard to prepare for the launch of our new 20th Century Finds online vintage store site. While we are busy finishing the final touches, please check out our selection of vintage items in our shop on Etsy. Over the last two weeks we have listed more earrings from the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's.

FASHION WEEK IN PARIS!!!

Did you see the large, fabulous 1960's Mod jewelry donned on so many runways? We have a lot of fashion magazines from the 1960's that show beautiful models wearing fabulous, oversized costume jewelry. So nice to see this again on the Parisian runways.

And it is perfect timing for us! We acquired a wonderful collection of 1960's jewelry last month. Fabulous finds! Okay, we admit it. We are keeping some for ourselves, but we promise there is enough to share with you! We are able to offer fabulous prices on pieces from this collection.

In our Etsy shop we have a hot pair of Large Zebra Striped Earrings for $28.00. Join the 1960's Modern Chic Style Comeback with these fabulous earrings.

We have a pair of Large Metal Hoop Earrings With A Geometric Twist - For Pierced Ears - 1960's Mod Sexy for only $12.50.

We also have a pair of Large Hexagon Shaped Clip Earrings. These are large, dramatic earrings, yet lightweight. Each earring only weighs 0.3 ounces. Another fabulous vintage deal for $10.00.