Vintage Black Leather Evening Bag with Egyptian Revival Metal Frame
Shoulder Bag and Clutch Convertible Frame Bag with Pleated Soft Body · Unbranded / Maker's Mark Vintage Costume Accessory (Mid-Century Independent Artisan or Department Store Brand)
Collection: Mid-Century Vintage Novelty and Thematic Evening Wear Collection
Style
Shoulder Bag and Clutch Convertible Frame Bag with Pleated Soft Body
Brand
Unbranded / Maker's Mark Vintage Costume Accessory (Mid-Century Independent Artisan or Department Store Brand)
Material
Soft textured black synthetic leather or supple calf leather with gathered pleat construction, joined to a heavily detailed metal frame with side ring hardware for a removable strap.
Dimensions
Estimated width 28 cm (11 inches), height 18 cm (7 inches), depth 8 cm (3 inches), strap drop 25 cm (10 inches). Medium evening bag proportion.
Description
This striking vintage evening bag combines practical elegance with dramatic artistic flair. Featuring a supple, softly pleated black body that offers a lovely tactile contrast, the true centerpiece is its elaborate, antiqued metal frame. The frame is intricately cast with classic Egyptian revival figures, hieroglyphs, and motifs, making it a wonderful conversation piece. Versatile by design, it functions seamlessly as a sophisticated shoulder bag or a handheld clutch, epitomizing the glamorous and theatrical accessories of the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Distinctive Egyptian revival cast metal frame depicting hieroglyphs and figural art; soft, gathered black leather-texture body; convertible design with removable thin shoulder strap.
Material & Construction
Soft textured black synthetic leather or supple calf leather with gathered pleat construction, joined to a heavily detailed metal frame with side ring hardware for a removable strap.
Color & Pattern
Classic jet black with natural pebble texture on the body, paired with an antiqued silver-tone and brass-tone pictorial metal frame depicting Egyptian hieroglyphs and figures.
Hardware Details
Antiqued silver-tone metal top frame featuring intricate embossed or cast bas-relief Egyptian figural scenes and hieroglyphic motifs, accompanied by a small brass-tone push-button or clasp release mechanism and side loops.
Interior Description
Likely lined in satin, faille, or moiré fabric typical of mid-century evening bags, featuring one small slip pocket and potentially a small matching coin purse.
Closure Type
Top metal kiss-lock or push-button frame closure providing secure and traditional access.
Strap & Handle Details
Thin, adjustable or removable black leatherette shoulder strap attached via small side rings, allowing the bag to easily transition from a shoulder bag to a sleek clutch.
Craftsmanship Details
Features cast metal framing with detailed bas-relief work, neatly gathered pleating secured firmly into the channel frame, and securely anchored side rings for strap attachment.
Authentication Indicators
Typical mid-century construction markers including cast metal frames with hand-antiqued finishes, simple push-lock clasps, and fabric linings. Lacks modern luxury brand serial numbers or heat stamps, identifying it as a piece of vintage costume heritage fashion.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in the USA, Western Europe, or Japan during the height of the mid-century costume accessory export era, utilizing standard commercial craftsmanship techniques of the time.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Vintage (circa 1950s-1960s), heavily influenced by the mid-century fascination with Egyptian revival motifs following major archaeological discoveries and museum exhibitions.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s to 1960s, based on the distinctive use of pictorial novelty frames and soft gathered styling popular in post-war women's accessories.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war era's desire for novelty, escapism, and theatricality in women's fashion, where accessories often doubled as wearable art and conversation starters.
Condition Notes
Exterior body shows minimal wear with good shape retention. Metal frame exhibits authentic, desirable aging and patina with some surface oxidation on the antiqued finish. Strap shows slight signs of edge wear consistent with age. Overall condition is Very Good for a vintage piece.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges from $50 to $150 USD depending on the presence of maker's marks, overall preservation, and the specific collector demand for Egyptian revival novelty pieces.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a breathable dust bag away from direct sunlight and humidity. Clean the leather body with a dry or lightly damp soft cloth. Maintain the metal frame with a dry microfiber cloth, avoiding harsh chemical jewelry cleaners that could strip the original antiqued patina.
Similar Handbags
Vintage Whiting & Davis metal mesh bags, vintage Enid Collins box bags, and mid-century imported Italian or Japanese novelty frame clutches.
Interesting Facts
Egyptian revival themes surged in popularity multiple times throughout the 20th century, most notably after the 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb and again during the 1960s museum tours, directly inspiring statement accessories like this frame bag.