Purses 1901 - 1920 Early 20th Century

A purse is just an object, influenced by cultural, political, and technical innovations of the time in which it was made…

The beginning of the 20th century was known by many names, and for many events and themes. Purses, bags. reticules, handbags and pouches are objects that reflect this. As an example wealthy woman’s fashion was more opulent and extravagant in this period.

Between 1900-1914 (the beginning of WWI) in England, France, Europe and United States, inventions, design, travel, technology, fashion, and women’s suffrage were happening concurrent with peace and prosperity.

in England as The Edwardian Era (Edward VII) 1901-1914 . The sun never set on the British Empire
in Europe as La Belle Epoque (the Beautiful Era)
in USA as The Gilded Age
Art Nouveau

Popularity of the Bicycle
The Department Store : Harrods in 1905 was Europe’s biggest department store. (everything from high fashion to ready to wear)
in USA Wright Brothers First Flight 1903
in USA Henry Ford USA : First Automobile Assembly Line 1913
The introduction of the typewriter
The internal combustion engine
The Train (USA)- created wealth through the extension of the system, commercial travel, and the establishment of manufacturing hubs to move goods across the country

A group of mechanical, coin purses early 1900 aka ‘Railroad Purse’ to hold tokens or coins

mechanical coin, purse from Germany, turn of the century

Very Unique Mesh Purse in the design of a miser purse early 20th century

Art Nouveau Chatelaine Purse -silver plate & elephant hide

Hand painted on Silk France Early 1900

Early 1900 France - velvet with metallic accents - Revival of shield shape from 1700’s

Unique opening English Handbag. Sterling Hallmark frame with a leather purse body

Antique Bags, Purses and Pouches from Asia and the Orient

A Victorian Chinese Rank Badge Purse

A Chinese ‘Rank Badge’ Purse

A chinese Rank Badge from the Quing Dynasty (which ended in 1911) is an elegant textile used on clothing to indicate the rank of an official in the Chinese Government. During the Victorian Era of British Imperialism, Chinese items became fashionable items for British society. Rank badges were turned into purses. This example is attached to an ornate sterling frame with a chatelaine top, the frame depicts old testament biblical stories.

The badge is an expertly crafted embroidery on silk with gold silver and silk thread. Other examples may have Jade or Peking glass bracelet circles for handles or draw strings closures.

Advertising Novelties late 1800s early 1900s

A Rare Silk Cigar Band Ribbon Purse

Silk Cigar Band Ribbon Purse

The American quilting traditions especially from crazy quilts were applied to cigar bands. The silk cigar bands were used to bundle cigars. Each maker had his own logo, and some a color other than yellow. I have seen jackets and quilts, purses are rather rare. They date from 1875 -1911.