How do I care for my antique beaded purses?
If you have ever seen antique beaded purses in vintage stores or at antique markets, you know that these beautiful bags are delicate and finely crafted. If you are lucky enough to own one of these bags, you need to treat it with special care to be sure that it lasts many years to come.For everyday soiling to your antique beaded purse, just use a soft white cloth that does not pill. This means that the cloth does not gather those little balls of fuzz on its surface. These pills will snag on the beads of your antique purse.
Never use water or any detergent or solvents on your beaded handbag. If there is a stain or other damage to the bag, send it to a reputable dry cleaner in your area. Check to be sure that the cleaner does all work on the premises rather than sending items off to be cleaned.
Store your antique beaded purse in a cool, dark place, such as your closet. Rest it in a shoe box or other loosely closed container so that air can still circulate around the bag. Stuff a few sheets of acid-free tissue paper inside the bag to maintain its shape.
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What are the most popular antique handbags?
Antique handbags come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular vintage handbags that are actually antiques are listed below:
· A-frame bags -- These antique handbags are framed by a clasped closure and a fabric pouch. They can be brocade, tapestry or other fabrics, including silk.
· Antique beaded handbags -- These bags are hand beaded and some are extremely valuable. They require special care and storage, but the beauty of the bags makes the extra effort worthwhile.
· Finally, architectural leather handbags -- These bags are box or rectangular shaped and made of fine leathers, including calfskin, crocodile and others.
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Do brides carry antique purses for weddings?
When you want something extra special for your wedding day, consider carrying an antique purse that matches your wedding gown to the reception. Antique purses are often one-of-a-kind and can make a real statement on your special day.
The best place to find an antique purse for your wedding is in your grandmother's closet. However, if you don't find something there you can use, ask other female relatives for handbags that have been handed down or preserved. These bags can have a very special family significance as well as being beautiful antique purses.
If your family does not have any antique handbags for you to use, try local antique markets or fairs. You can also look on the Internet, but be wary of the seller and check his or her credentials.
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What are some retro handbag styles?
Many women today are avoiding the new handbags and their high price tags by opting for a retro handbag. These retro handbags offer style and a unique look for usually half the cost of newer bags.
Look for retro handbags on the Internet and at vintage stores. Popular styles of retro handbags include the Western leather shoulder bags and other tooled leather bags. These purses look rustic and even hippie-like if worn with the right outfit.
Another popular retro handbag is the mod vinyl purse. These purses were popular in the 1960s and offer cute styles in lots of fun colors.
Other retro handbags that are popular include the structured alligator bags, patent leather box bags and handbags with Lucite trim.
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What should I look for in retro purses?
Retro purses are becoming more and more popular. Women everywhere are realizing that they can get a great purse for a great price by investing in a retro purse. But before you rush out and buy yourself that cute little mod vinyl handbag, check out our tips for buying retro:
· Before buying a retro purse, make sure you are buying from a reputable dealer. Whether on the Internet or at a retail location, you need someone who has been in business for a few years and has a good customer service record. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints about the company selling fakes.
· Inspect the bag thoroughly. Retro purses may have had some wear and tear. Inspect the lining of the bag to be sure it is secure with no holes. Also check zippers and clasps. Any staining on the outside of the bag should get you a discounted price.
· Finally, shop around. If you fall in love with a retro alligator bag at one shop, look for a similar bag on the Internet or at another vintage store to compare prices.
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How much is a vintage Gucci purse?
If you are in the market for a vintage Gucci purse, you are not alone. These rare treasures can be hard to find and even harder to acquire. But if you know where to look, and you can find one, what can you expect to pay?
Vintage Gucci handbags are usually sold on the Internet and at fine vintage shops. When you locate one, expect to pay a far lower price than was originally on the purse. Most vintage Gucci purse prices run at about forty percent of the original retail price. So if you find a vintage Gucci purse that originally sold for $800, expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $320.
Keep in mind, however, that for a bag that antique, you may actually pay more than the original price.
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What should I look for in vintage handbags?
When you are in the market for vintage handbags, you may search for a while before you find something you really love. However, when you do, be careful not to jump on the deal too quickly. Here are some tips that could save you some heartache and some money when buying vintage purses:
· First, make sure you are buying from a reputable seller. If at a retail store, check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the retailer's customer service record. Make sure they have never been sited for selling a fake as a vintage handbag. If you are buying on the Internet, check with the BBB as well, but if you can't find them listed, ask for references.
· Next, examine the bag carefully. Vintage purses have seen some daily wear so they most likely won't look new. But you don't want to pay for a bag with stains or holes in the lining that cannot be repaired.
· Finally, ask about the return policy. If you cannot return the bag within a reasonable period with the receipt, shop somewhere else. This refusal of returns could mean there is something wrong with the vintage handbags for sale.
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What should I look for in a vintage Coach purse?
Because Coach has been around for nearly half a century, there are a lot of vintage Coach handbags to choose from on the market. These finely constructed leather bags have lasted for decades, and it is possible to find bags from the sixties or seventies in great condition.
Some of the most popular bags to collect were created by Coach designer Bonnie Cashin. She added pockets and pouches to leather bags and backpacks. Other popular vintage Coach purses are the saddle bags and shoulder bags.
Look for leather that has worn well. These vintage bags will not look new, but they should not be scratched or stained. Also inspect the interior for spots and holes wearing through in the leather.
An authentic vintage Coach purse should have a Coach stamp on the inside to show you that it's the real deal. Don't settle for less. Your vintage Coach bag will outlast many of your new ones.
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What are vintage bags?
“Vintage bags” is a generic term used to describe bags which are at least 25 years old, though this is not customary and often bags which are less old are also termed as vintage bags. Bags which are less than 25 years old are sometimes referred to as “retro bags”. Extremely old vintage handbags are handbags which date prior to the 19th century. These are extremely rare and are not seen much today. Most vintage popular bags these days are the beaded and metal mesh examples of the early 20th century. Vintage handbags belonging to the 1940s and 1950s are seen as ideal for people who want a vintage look whilst retaining everyday functionality. Normally the condition of a vintage bag is classified as mint, excellent, fair, good, or damaged. This gives a fair idea of the physical state that the bag is currently in. Vintage bags are also considered as investments since they appreciate in value with time. Since these bags are pricey items, it is best to buy them from highly reputed sources.
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What are Victorian bags?
The term “Victorian” refers to the period of Queen Victoria's rule between 1837 and 1901 in the United Kingdom. The Victorian Era marked the height of the British Industrial Revolution and the apex of the British Empire. Bags belonging to this period are referred to as Victorian bags. Victorian bags, archetypical of the Victorian Era, were often immensely decorated and are often stereotyped as “fussy” and “over-done”. To some though, this is one of their main attractions. Victorian bags were marked by an elegant use of lace and trim work in purses and were a direct indication of the wearer’s social status; the higher the status of a lady, the more detailed her purse. Between 1840 and 1880, Victorian bags were available in many shapes, sizes, materials and degrees of workmanship. Bags belonging to this era had black and vivid colors, and more often than not sported paint box shades of velvet and nickel, featured heavy, dull black crepe (for mourning) and were often made from ultra bright or dark silks. By the 1860s, the reticule, which was made from silk knitted on a gilt frame with embroidery, appliqué or painted figures, had gained immense popularity. Another famous Victorian bag would be the money-miser or stocking or ring purse, a type of beaded or velvet bag, particularly famous amongst Victorians for its long, whimsical appearance.
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