Vintage Mid-Century Suede Frame Clutch with Ornamental Clasp
Clutch / Frame Bag · Unbranded / Antique (Likely Mid-Market manufacturer from the 1940s-1950s)
Collection: Standard Evening Accessory / Mid-Century Formal Wear
Style
Clutch / Frame Bag
Brand
Unbranded / Antique (Likely Mid-Market manufacturer from the 1940s-1950s)
Material
Black velvet or short-pile suede exterior over a rigid metal frame. The construction features a gathered body tucked into a metal channel, common for the era's 'coin purse' silhouette.
Dimensions
Width: 20cm (8 inches), Height: 13cm (5 inches), Depth: 3cm (1.2 inches).
Description
A classic example of mid-century evening elegance, this clutch features a soft, tactile black body contrasted by a bold, architectural gold-tone frame. Its fan-shaped clasp serves as the primary decorative element, reflecting the Art Deco influence that persisted in accessory design through the early 1950s.
Key Features
Distinctive fan/crown engraved clasp; curved frame corners; gathered fabric body; lack of external branding.
Material & Construction
Black velvet or short-pile suede exterior over a rigid metal frame. The construction features a gathered body tucked into a metal channel, common for the era's 'coin purse' silhouette.
Color & Pattern
Jet Black; solid color without pattern, emphasizing the texture of the fabric against the metallic frame.
Hardware Details
Gilt-brass or gold-tone metal frame with significant patina and plating loss. The standout feature is the oversized, crown-shaped or fan-styled ornamental lift-clasp featuring etched geometric detailing.
Interior Description
Likely lined in black or champagne satin or rayon. Typical of this period, it would contain a small slip pocket for a mirror or lipstick.
Closure Type
Lift-lock / Snap-top tension frame closure.
Strap & Handle Details
Strapless clutch design; no evidence of lugs for a chain, suggesting it was intended solely as a hand-held evening bag.
Craftsmanship Details
Manual assembly involving the stretching and clamping of fabric into a metal frame. The engraving on the clasp shows a level of detail typical of higher-quality mid-market vintage goods.
Authentication Indicators
Construction style (clamped frame), type of metal oxidation, and the specific aesthetic of the clasp engraving are consistent with authentic mid-century manufacture.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in the USA or West Germany, which were hubs for high-quality metal-frame handbags during this period.
Era & Period
Late 1940s to Mid-1950s. The silhouette is typical of the post-war 'New Look' era where small, elegant handheld accessories were mandatory for formal social outings.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950 (Approx. 70-75 years old).
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition from wartime utility to peacetime glamour, where accessories became more ornamental and feminine.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good Condition. The fabric shows lint accumulation and minor pile crushing. The hardware shows significant oxidation, 'brassing' (wearing down to the base metal), and surface scratches.
Value Estimate
$25 - $55 USD. Value is driven by the unique clasp design rather than brand name.
Care & Maintenance
Gently brush the suede/velvet with a soft-bristled brush to remove lint. Do not use metal polish on the frame as it may further strip the remaining gold plating; store in a breathable cotton dust bag.
Similar Handbags
Vintage Whiting & Davis mesh bags (similar frames), early Rosetti clutches, or 1950s Koret suede bags.
Interesting Facts
During this era, clutches like this were often sold in department stores like Marshall Field's or Macy's and were designed to be 'timeless' staples of a woman's wardrobe.