1940s Hide-Away Garter Purse

Hide-Away Garter Purse 1940s. Jiffy Coin Purse Co. Suede mini purse (shaped like a tiny water bottle) to fasten to garter. Has metal snap (green with age on the underside) and original instructions and (torn) plastic packaging. “…easily attached to garter buckle inside your stocking” and “splendid gift for men and women.”

I adore vintage novelty purses, although I don’t think this was a novelty back in the ‘40s. I believe it was used for practical purposes. How cool is it that it not only survived this long, but is in such beautiful condition?

1940s Jorues Plastic Tile Clutch

Black Early Plastic Tile Clutch. 1940s. Plastic Designed by Jorues. Black plastic textured tile clutch purse. The tiles are laced together with what looks to be flat leather strips. Zip top with celluloid (or other early plastic) pull. Lined in black grosgrain. Inner pocket. Grosgrain over cardboard change purse with mirror and sewing needle inside.

I have this thing about textures, and I love the Lego-ness of this type of purse. Although, I admit, I’m not a huge fan of Legos themselves, mostly because I tend to discover them in the middle of the night, with my feet. (Thank you, grandson.)

I have a number of these purses (don’t ask me what the number is—I’d have to go into The Pink Room closet to count), and I usually forgo purchasing more of them due to price, but this lovely example sold for ten bucks with free shipping. And you know I can’t pass up a deal like that!

SPECIAL POST! Purse Mystery Solved!

On the Vintage Purse Gallery's Facebook page, I mentioned that I’d once read that a wicker fish purse like mine was used in a Joanne Woodward film. Vintage Purse Gallery reader, collector and seller Maxine said I should contact Kimberly Truhler of GlamAmor, http://www.GlamAmor.com. Kimberly copied my email to Kay Noske, http://www.moviestarmakeover.com/. Kay forwarded my query and photos to her group of intrepid movie fans, and sharp-eyed Danny sent a pic from the 1963 Woodward film “The Stripper.” Thanks to everyone who helped out and viva la film & fashion!

From 50 Years of Film & Fashion - Travilla Style, http://travillastyle.blogspot.com/2013/06/joanne-woodward-stripper-1963-lila.html