Circus or Zoo Animals Wicker Purse. 1960s. Maker: Magid. White-painted wicker box bag with an incredible circus animal design, featuring detailed felt three-dimensional animals: monkey, tiger, elephant and lion, behind a “cage” made of golden trim. Gold leatherette handle and twist-lock closure. There’s an additional label inside that says “De Pinna,” which, I recently learned, was a high-end clothing store founded in the 1800s. It changed hands a few times and closed in 1969.

This purse is my most recent acquisition and one of my favorite finds ever. It’s not in perfect condition, but just look at that remarkable detail on those animals! It’s truly a work of art.

Wicker Golf Motif Bag. 1960s. Maker: An Original By Midas of Miami, Handicrafts Inc., Miami, FLA 33147. Wonderful picnic basket-style purse made of white-painted wicker and enhanced with a motif of two golfing gals. They have blonde hair piled high, pink criss-cross fabric blouses, and tight ‘60s fabric pants. One is swinging a painted golf club and the other holds a golf ball. There are also flags and foliage, representing a girlie golf course. It’s got white faux leather straps, a green satin lining and interior zipper pocket.

I love Midas of Miami bags. I have quite a few, but this one is really special. And I don’t even golf!

Hey! If you're in Ventura County, California this Saturday, November 5, come see me at the Ventura County Book & Author Fair. I'll be in booth 35, signing copies of my novel, I MURDERED THE PTA.