Warburg Vintage Petite Glass-Beaded Evening Bag in Cream White
Evening Pouch / Top Handle Frame Bag · Warburg; an American heritage brand known for importing high-quality European accessories during the mid-20th century. Classified as accessible luxury or premium vintage.
Collection: Warburg Made in France Beaded Collection; a permanent or signature evening line of the 1950s-1960s.
Style
Evening Pouch / Top Handle Frame Bag
Brand
Warburg; an American heritage brand known for importing high-quality European accessories during the mid-20th century. Classified as accessible luxury or premium vintage.
Material
The exterior is meticulously hand-beaded with thousands of tiny seed beads (glass). The construction involves a fabric base (likely silk or satin) onto which the beads are sewn in a textured, curvilinear pattern. The frame is wrapped/covered in matching beads.
Dimensions
Width: 15-18cm (6-7 inches); Height: 13-15cm (5-6 inches); Depth: 2-4cm (slight expansion); Strap Drop: 10-12cm (approximate petite top handle length).
Description
This exquisite Warburg evening bag is a testament to the mid-century obsession with intricate French hand-craftsmanship. Its surface is a sea of shimmering cream seed beads, arranged in a swirling pattern that catches the light from every angle. The petite silhouette and beaded handle make it an elegant choice for formal occasions, capturing the refined glamour of the late 1950s.
Key Features
Hand-sewn 'swirl' beadwork; beaded top handle; hidden kiss-lock frame; 'Made in France' provenance; miniature scalloped bottom edge.
Material & Construction
The exterior is meticulously hand-beaded with thousands of tiny seed beads (glass). The construction involves a fabric base (likely silk or satin) onto which the beads are sewn in a textured, curvilinear pattern. The frame is wrapped/covered in matching beads.
Color & Pattern
Cream White / Off-White. The pattern features a rhythmic, swirling 'vermicelli' or 'shirred' beadwork arrangement that creates visual movement and texture across the scalloped surface.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone metal hardware featuring a thin, roped-texture frame. The closure is a classic kiss-lock or snap lever hidden behind a circular beaded tab with a gold-tone metal surround.
Interior Description
Typically lined in white or cream satin or silk. Features include a small interior slip pocket (often for a mirror) and a 'Warburg - Made in France' fabric tag sewn into the lining.
Closure Type
Snap frame / Kiss-lock closure. The metal frame snaps shut, secured by a decorative beaded lift-tab at the top center.
Strap & Handle Details
Fixed tubular top handle fully encrusted with matching white seed beads, attached to the metal frame via internal hinges.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior hand-application of beads; the 'swirl' pattern requires much more labor than standard grid beading. The edge finishing where the fabric meets the frame is tight and uniform.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetrical bead patterns; high-density bead count per square inch; distinct roped metal frame texture; quality of silk lining and the specific font of the Warburg stamp (if visible inside).
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in France. Specifically constructed in French ateliers specializing in glass beadwork for the American export market under the Warburg label.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s to Early 1960s). This period focused on petite, feminine evening accessories to complement cocktail dresses and 'New Look' inspired silhouettes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1962. The style of the frame, the 'Made in France' designation for an American retailer, and the bead quality are classic indicators of this era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war return to opulence and femininity. Such bags were essential 'trousseau' items for young women and a staple of formal debutante and cocktail culture.
Condition Notes
Exterior beadwork appears remarkably intact with no visible missing clusters. The color remains bright without significant yellowing. The handle shows good structural integrity. Overall Grade: Excellent (Vintage).
Value Estimate
Resale Market: $45 - $125 USD. Value is highest when beadwork is 100% intact and the interior lining is free of makeup stains or perfume odors.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a breathable dust bag away from jewelry that might snag beads. Do not use liquid cleaners; if necessary, use a soft dry brush. Avoid overfilling to prevent strain on the frame hinges.
Similar Handbags
Walborg beaded bags (frequently confused due to name similarity and same era); Josef beaded bags (higher tier); vintage Corde bags (uses cord instead of beads).
Interesting Facts
During the 1950s, beadwork from France and Belgium was considered the gold standard and was frequently imported by high-end New York department stores like Warburg or Bergdorf Goodman.
Notes
Warburg