Vintage Patent Leather Handbags

Sophisticated high gloss VINTAGE Patent Handbags.  

History

The process originated with the high laquering of leather, called Japanning. In more modern times, Seth Boyden is credited for perfecting the process of creating patent leather in 1818, thus called because the process once was patented. . Back then, a linseed coating was bonded to the leather to create a high gloass finish. Today, its typically a petroluem product that is bonded. This is not to be confused with poromeric imitation leather Poromeric Imitation Leather is what a lot of folks refer to as "patent leather" when actually it isn't. It has a high glossy finish and is a petroleum product or a vinyl. Because of the material, color can be more consistent in the manufacturing process and a greater flexibility produces every color of the rainbow and then some. The vinyl is typically backed with polyester. The first poromeric leather was released in 1964. It was easily cleanable, but stiff and not breathable, which made it ideal for structured handbags, but not so ideal for shoes. DuPont ceased producing of it in 1971. There are other patented names of glossy substitutes such as Clarino from Japan. PVC. Actually, PVC is polyvinyl chloride. Its an ingredient in what makes "PVC vinyl" but not the end product. As this is the common term in clothing and accessories and not a chemistry lesson, we will go with "PVC." PVC vinyl used in handbags, belts, and other accessories. It is much more flexible than poromerics, thus making it more versatile and more practical for some uses. It is commonly used in accessories, such as belts, trim, some handbags such as tote bags, aprons, and some raingear.

Every decade Patent Handbags make a gigantic comeback. Patent is smart and fashionable to carry. A Patent Handbag makes any outfit come alive!

Terminology regarding the condition of the Vintage Handbags:
Please remember when buying vintage purses there are normally minor imperfections 
 unless these are very noticable or detract from the style or attractiveness of the item they are not normally mentioned.
LOOKING FOR PERFECTION - VINTAGE IS NOT FOR YOU!

(Mint Condition) MINT - As close to "new" as possible for its age. No problems.
(Excellent Condition)
Normal wear expected for age. Any problems are not easily visible.
(Gently Used)
Normal wear expected for age. Shows very minimal wear
(Used) A purse that was used everyday. Not abused.... but used, shows more noticeable wear.

(Rest assured I do not sell handbags that are not attractive or fit to carry.)


Most vintage patent have very light scratches visible only if held at a certain angle under strong light.

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A VERY RARE 70's black patent and faux leather large unique purse by Francois of California.  Fancois of California is one of my favorite vintage designers and this design I have seen before. The body is high gloss patent with 2 piggyback purses in faux leather adoring ther front. The black patent handle is wristlet leangth. The interior is lined with beige marshmellow vinyl with a long brass zippered sidewall pocket and an open pocket lined with black patent leather.

Measures 14"x W x 8" H

Excellent Condition

Item# PAT108-1

$125.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Neiman Marcus sleek high gloss tote from th 80's. The handles are eye-catching gray and black acrylic. The interior is lined in black nylon fabric. Tucked away and never used. SO STYLISH!

Measures 11" W x 9" H

Mint Condition

Item# PAT23-1

SOLD

 

 

 

 

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Location in 1947
Meyers Manufacturing Co.
330 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY

“Meyers” created top of the line handbags through the 40's and 50's and this stunning very rare unique petite handbag is no exception. Covered in a high gloss patent cranberry color. The latch is quite different, pull the silver colored metal adornment down and the handbag opens and closed. Lift the flap and you will see 2 toggle latch purses. The interior is black faux leather. The wristlet length handle is long enough to ware snuggly on your shoulder. Bonnie Cashin designed handbags for Meyers in her early career and this truly has the look of one of her designs. HOT RETRO!

Measures 7.5" W x 6" H

Mint Condition

Item# PAT22-1

$145.00

 

 

 

50's flennel skirts better known a Poddle skirts.

 

 

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This petite black patent time traveler is a blast out of the past when Poodle Skirts were the rage along with box purses. This box purse is sporting a scalloped flap and a clear acrylic handle. The handle is brought through patent straps with a charming twist to the ends. The interior is lined black acetate material with a tiny mirror mounted on the inside lid. AMAZING VINTAGE!

Measures 9" L x 4"x H x 4" D

Excellent Condition

Item# PAT09-2

$55.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Viki magazine ad 1955

 

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A blast from the past is this RARE unique black patent purse from the 50' designed by VIKI. The front is adorned with a faux black leather belt accented with a large faux buckle with genuine brass studs. The frame is wrapped with black faux leather along with the wristlet length handle. The lift up latch has a strong deco look. The interior is lined with tan faux leather with a large open sidewall pocket and a brass zipped sidewall pocket. AN AMAZING TIME TRAVELER!

Measures 9.5" W x 7" H

Excellent Condition

Item# PAT01-2

SOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quilted Patent Chanel 90's $3,800.00

 

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This is such a unique RARE showstopper purse from the 60's. Quilted high gloss back patent with large Lucite handles that look like tortoise shell. The interior is lined with a paisley cotton fabric with a long middle brass zippered pocket. Tucked away and never used. MAGNIFICENT VINTAGE!

Measures 13" W x 7.5" H

Excellent Condition

Item# PAT200-40

SOLD

 

 

Garay Magazine Ad 1958

 

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An adorable black patent purse designed "Garay" in the 50's. The brass-colored frame has two tortoise-colored Lucite panels with 2 matching Lucite sugar cube size shaped kiss lock latches. The patent handle is wristlet length. The interior is lined with black fabric with a white crisscross design. STUPENDOUS VINTAGE!

Measures 10" W x 7" H

Excellent Condition

Item# PAT103-6

SOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

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An exceptional time traveler from the 50's designed by one of my favorite purse designers "Lewis". Lewis designed quality purses with distinction and a unique flair like no other designer. This petite box purse is covered in dark chocolate high gloss patent with a snap envelope flap. The front flap has lovely solid brass filigree. The front panel folds pot to expose an interior line in dark brown satin. A perfect little bright mirror is mounted on the interiors back wall. TOTALLY CHARMING!

Measures 8" W x 5" H x2.5" D

Excellent Condition

Item# PAT52-4

$75.00

 

 

 

Betty of Mad Men is carrying ther wrong type handbag. This purse is more like it if she wants to carry off the LOOK!

 

 

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An amazing 70's very RARE large high gloss black patent sculptural purse by "Ila". The front and back panels are asymmetrical with a huge rotating asymmetrical handle. On the backside there is two slight half moon manufactured process indentations. The interior is lined with gold textured satin with a large open sidewall pocket and a zippered sidewall pocket trimmed with gold metallic faux leather. HOT RETRO!

Measures 12" W x 13" H (not including the handle)

Excellent Condition

Item# PAT107-1

SOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A UNIQUE and eye-catching 80's shoulder purse by "Burlington" High gloss black patent with an art deco inspired design made with genuine snakeskin. The shoulder strap is European length. The interior is lined with black fabric that is marked with the Burlington name pattern. There is a small zippered sidewall pocket. Vintage but totally in for today's fashions.

Measures 8" W x 7" H

Mint Condition

Item# PAT07-2

$65.00

 

 

 

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A very unique RARE vintage genuine caramel-colored patent leather petite purse by "Lewis" from the 50's. The sides are scalloped on the top edge and behind are an open storage area. A large solid brushed globe latch opens and closes the purse. Two very unique twisted brass mesh wristlets straps add even more allure. The interiors are lined with dark brown grosgrain. The latched compartment has an open sidewall trimmed with gold piping. SO UNCONVENTIONAL!

Measures 7" W x 5" H

Mint Condition

Item# PAT52-6

$85.00

 

 

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