Tri-State Antique Center's

Owner's
~Private Collection~



Welcome to my own private studio of purses.  These are just a few of my personal favorites that I have collected over the years.  I will add more periodically to share with you some of the beautiful works of art that I have kept.  Please remember . . . these purses are not for sale.  When you are finished viewing, simply return to the purses for sale by following the links at the bottom of this page.  I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I enjoy having them!


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simply Close to Return


Victorian
Girl on Beach
with Goat -
Micro-Beads
Click for Enlargement

Click here for close-up
of girl and goat.

My most recent acquisition and one that I truly adore.  This mint conditoin reticule is done in the tiniest beads I have ever seen lending an artistic quality that makes this purse truly look like a painting.  The detail is extraordinary depicting a girl with sun hat and large bow sash around her waist glancing out to sea.  She holds bouquet of flowers in one hand and a small goat grazes in front of her.  Her wistful look makes you think she is longing for her love who has gone to sea.  Gorgeous colors!  Lined in ivory silk damask and finished in emerald green fringe.


Very RARE
Figural Petitpoint Purse
"Lady on Sofa"
with Beaded Fringe &
Ornately Jeweled Frame
Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Frame

This one is a rare combination of petitpoint and beaded fringe.  Tiny petitpoint stitches make up a wonderful portrait of a lady reclining on a sofa while three gents surround her.  It appears the seated one in the foreground is reading to her from a book.  There just HAS to be a story behind this one and that will be my challenge to find out... if anyone knows what this scene is portraying, please feel free to email me.  I feel it has to have some historical significance.  The frame is heavily jeweled in topaz, emerald and sapphire stones.  The bottom is finished in intertwined glass-beaded looped fringe.  It is a real treasure and one I am quite proud to own.  Size is also quite large ... 7" wide x 12" long.


Very RARE
Continuous Scenic Purse
with Historic Tavern Hunt Scene
Click for Enlargement

Click for Enlargement

Click here for view of side of purse showing men seated at table.

This is the pride of my collection!  A very rare purse done in a full 360 degree portrait in exquisite detail.  The old gold frame has an embossed Art Nouveau design and two sapphire blue jewels set on either side of a raised decoration.  The purse itself is full-bodied with tiny tucks across the top giving it a draping look. The scene is done in very tiny beads in vibrant colors and depicts a man and woman (possibly an innkeeper and his wife) chatting with two gentlemen seated at an outdoor table enjoying their lunch while another gentleman stands alongside.  There are three hunting dogs frolicking at their feet in the street.  Following along that same street, you will come to a street sign with a picture on top (possibly the tavern sign) and a soldier on horseback with his rifle.  This continues around to the front of the purse again.  All in all, there are six people, three dogs, a horse, a house, and detail unsurpassed in any purse I have seen.  My very favorite piece!


Scenic & Figural
Deco Nude
Enamel Guilloche Compact

Click for Details & Prices

View of Back

View of Interior

This is a new addition to my personal compact collection.  I love the ornate enamel guilloches the best and this one certainly fits the bill.  A gorgeous silhouette scene of a deco nude toweling herself dry as she gazes out upon a sunset on the water. Gorgeous colors from white to pale blue to deep rose to aqua with black overlay.  The back is pale aqua enamel with beautiful guilloche designs.  It is unsigned by still a rare treasure and one I shall cherish.

Scenic
Venetian Bead with the
Most Ornate Jeweled Frame
I've Ever Seen!
Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Frame

This is one of my faves ... the enameled jeweled frame is the most fabulous one I have ever run across ... bar none!  Purse is done in tiny Venetian beads and depicts a columned portico nestled in a hilltop glade overlooking a lake and snow-capped mountains.  The fringe has three different colors picked up from the purse, and there is a flower garden in the foreground with a pathway going through a gate opening in a wall.  Abounds with intricate color changes and detail!  The frame is richly jeweled and enameled, the clasp has a one inch diameter carnelian, and there are enameled jeweled flowers in the chainlink handle.  It is absolutely mint and an outstanding piece!


Mid-1800's 
Double Sided Pictorial 
with Unusual Frame
 & Tassle Fringe

Click for Enlarged Image..

Click for Enlarged Image
Reverse Side

A recent acquisition but one that I just love!  The frame on this one is swag-shaped with raised rosettes on both front ant back.  The bottom has two steel-bead tassles that match the frame.  But what makes this one exeptional is that each side features a different floral arrangement ... one side pictures a basket of flowers while the other pictures a graceful urn.  Green acanthus leaf border outlines the purse.   


RARE
PINK Mandalian
Lustro-Pearl Mesh Purse
with Figural Bird Clasp
Click for Enlargement

Frame      Fringe

Pink backgrounds and fringe are almost non-existent to find in Mandalian ... it took me over a year to find my first one!  This one has the lustro-pearl finish and vibrant colors of soft pink, bright pink, teal, and black.  Teardrop dangles are also pink.  Bright gold frame features two birds in the clasp.  Interior is lined in fuchsia silk.  One of my newest faves!  Measures 4-1/2" wide x 9" long overall.


Gloria Bracelet
Mandalian with
Birds of Paradise and
RARE Enameled Clasp
Click for Enlargement

Frame

One of my finest pieces ... a rare Mandalian Gloria "bracelet" style mesh purse with pair of Birds of Paradise on front but ... best of all ... a rarely found enameled clasp.  Fringe is thick and full and purse is in exceedingly fine condition.  Lined in silk.  Measures 4" wide x 8" long.


RARE
Whiting & Davis
Double Mesh Purse
with Jeweled Clasp
Click for Enlargement

This is just a beautiful little bag.  Done in a combination of armor mesh and ring mesh, it really makes for a striking look.  Fringe on the ring mesh sets off the Vandyke armor mesh panel.  The frame is a long-necked cathedral shape with engraving on both sides and the clasp is set with two blue sapphire jewels.  Measures 2-3/4" x 8" long. 


Figural Courting Couple
Venetian Beaded Purse with Ornate Cherub Frame
Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Frame

So romantic!  This courting couple appears ready to go to a ball as the gentleman extends his hand to his lady.   Both are elegantly garbed, she with her upswept hair and jeweled tiara, he with his stockinged legs and ruffled topcoat.  The lady has just come out through a stoned walled courtyard, and you can see her mansion in the background.  Fringe is done in four different colors from the purse, and the frame is Alpaca silver filigree with cherubs and another romantic couple in the center.  it is absolutely exquisite!  


RARE Pictorial
Mandalian Mesh
with Enameled Frame
and 21-Drops
Baby Mesh! Lustro Pearl!
Click for Close-up

Close-Up of Frame

Close-Up of Fringe

Close-Up of Interior

One of the most fabulous Mandalian mesh purses you will ever see.  The 21-drop fringe is extremely difficult to find and considered very rare.  The mesh is ultra-baby fine, and the frame is beautifully enameled in mosaic-like detail on both sides.  The design is a pictorial scene of an urn overflowing with flowers.  Interior is lined in creamy silk with four small splits but otherwise it is perfect.  Notice the way the mesh is gathered around the frame to hang in tiny little pleats giving it a fuller look.  


18th Century
Hand Made
Flowers & Lace
Puffy Silk Reticule
Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Detail

Side View

Another View of Flower Tassles

Bottom of Purse

This is by far and away the oldest purse in my personal collection ... the sister to this one, which was about 10 years older, I gave up for sale.  But I just couldn't bear to part with the delicate silk rosebuds and hand-made laces that adorned this beautiful purse.  Dating from 1795 - 1805, the body of this purse is peach silk which has badly shattered.  However, the top portion (viewed from above in photo on left) is so gorgeous on its own that I wanted to keep it.  The tassles  at the ends of the silk drawstrings are made of hand-twisted gold wire.  The wire is actually wrapped around a core of yellow silk thread.  The metal & white laces are all handmade and applied in a swag/tassle design around the purse.  There are little flower tassles that dangle down with a handmade bow above each one.  It is absolutely a work of art!  Enjoy the close-ups of this beauty..........


RARE
Chintz & Carpet
Micro-Beaded Purse with
Ornate Filigreed Jeweled Frame
Click for Enlargement

Frame

Interior

My most recent acquisition! This stunningly gorgeous purse is done in the finest of micro-glass beads in a combination of chintz and carpet designs.  The background is an ivory white with a center bouquet of vivid blue, pink, burgundy, and goldenrod flowers.  The border is a multi-toned pink, gold, burgundy, and blue rug design.  Then this is surrounded again by a garland of pink and blue flowers.  Fringe is ivory with cobalt tips.  The frame on this purse is a killer!  Ornately filigreed with a 3" x 1" high clasp, it is set with faux sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, rubies, corals & topaz stones ... 22 in all!  Even has two little flower baskets holding the double-chain handle. Exterior is in mint condition; interior is shattered but has braided trim, original mirror and change purse.  Measures 7" wide x 10-1/2" long from top of clasp to tip of fringe. 


Whiting & Davis
Rare Venetian Lace
Baby Mesh Purse
Click for Enlargement

I looked for over a year to finally get one of these  Venetian lace baby mesh purses in this condition.  Words can't describe how beautiful and finely done these purses are until you've actually seen one.  The detail in the tiny links and openwork of the fringe makes it look exactly like  one of the finest and most delicate pieces of crocheted lace.  One of my favorite pieces!  


Island Vista
with Jeweled Frame
Click for Enlargement

Frame

Interior

Again, one of my favorites!  Just looking at this tranquil scene reminds me of our vacation in Hawaii a few years back and transports me back to those wonderful days in tropical Paradise!  The frame on this one is encrusted with tiny jewels of pink, yellow, amethyst, blue, and red sprinkled amongst large rich teal jewels.  The fringe is done in five colors intertwined and twisted together.  The interior is lined and trimmed in French ribbon roses.    Truly an exquisite purse.


Enameled "Tango"
Vanity Purse
Click for Enlargement

Reverse Side

This gorgeous little vanity purse was called a "tango" purse and is a truly beautiful item.  With an engraved finger ring, it has an attached compact with mirror and a separate lipstick.  Both pieces are enameled in a mint green with pink and blue roses.  The back of the compact is etched with a floral design as well.  Even the chain has little embossed links.  It is one of my favorite pieces!


Floral with Blue
Enameled & Jeweled Frame
Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Fringe

Close-Up of Frame

Close-Up of Interior

This one has an absolutely fabulous royal blue enameled frame inlaid with jewels around the clasp.  The beadwork is of the highest quality in micro-beads intricately done in rich floral cascades.  Finished off with pink and blue intertwined beaded loop fringe.  Interior is ivory silk with smocked pocket.  Very beautiful and elegant!


MINT Mandalian
Baby Mesh Lustro Pearl
with Enameled Frame,
RARE Looped Fringe,
Original Box & Label
Click for Enlargement

When it comes to mesh bags, I must confess that Mandalians have won my heart.  This is a superb example of what I'm talking about ... done in baby-size mesh that is like silk to touch, with Mandalian's patented "Lustro Pearl" finish, it has a gorgeous enameled mosaic look frame and very rare looped fringe.  This is the only one of its kind that I have ever seen, and it is pictured in Lynell Schwartz's book.  It still has with it the original tag and box both signed by Mandalian.  It is a really wonderful piece!


RARE Scenic Sailboat
in Cut Steel
Brightly Colored Beads 
Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Frame

Close-Up of Interior

I know it sounds like a cliche', but believe me when I tell you that no scan or picture can possibly do justice to the beautiful, richly vibrant colors in this purse.  No matter how many ways I photographed it, it just pales in comparison to the reality.  The greens are emerald, the blues are breathtaking, and the purples are divine.  According to the book, "cut steel bags with sailboats in a water scene are hard to find."  Made in France, this lovely purse is in a class all by itself.  Measures 5-1/2" wide at frame, 6-1/2" wide at bottom, and 10" long to bottom of fringe.

Used in the book Vintage Purses at Their Best by Lynell Schwartz, Page 109


Carpet Design
Steel-Beaded Purse with Double
Enameled Frame - Fabulous!
Click for Enlargement

Colors in this purse defy photographing ... the background is deep, rich jet black with sparkly jewel colors throughout.  Due to reflection from the beads, the scan makes it look washed out.  Believe me, it is definitely vivid and vibrant in person!  Intricately woven in the tiniest of beads, both sides of this exquisite purse are identical, including the richly enameled frame which is also done in jewel tones on black.  It is completely in mint condition and one of the finest examples I have ever seen!


Tiny Cloisonne'
Chatelaine Purse
Click for Enlargement

This beautiful little mesh cloisonne' purse is so striking with its turquoise enameled dangles, a drop of enamel on each mesh tile, and ornately done closure.  Measures a mere 3-1/2 long counting the little dangles.  One of my favorite pieces!


Amethyst
Beaded Reticule
with Lapis Jeweled Top
Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Frame

Close-Up of Frame II

At first glance, it doesn't look like much, but this flapper purse is done in rich amethyst colored glass beads.  The very ornate filigreed gold cap slides up the corded handle and the bag opens under neath the lid. The cap is studded with lapis stones on the top as well as around the perimeter and is also adorned with four dangling lapis drops all the way around.  Finished in a beaded tassle, it is really quite a striking purse.  


Victorian Floral
with Jeweled Frame
Click for Enlargement

Close-Up of Frame

Not my most elegant bag, but it was my very first beaded purse acquisition several years ago and so has great sentimental value to me.  The best thing about it is its tiny beadwork and the gorgeous frame which is embedded with tiny jewels all the way across.  It will always be special to me! 


I hope you have enjoyed viewing these purses from my private collection. Now to return to the purses for sale so that you may start your own collection, simply select your category from the box below.

Select Your Category:
Make your choice from beaded, mesh, lucite, Milady's Vanity
or jewelry in the drop-down menu box below:


To View Purses we have Sold, click HERE

NEW! For a selection of Purse Books available from us, click HERE.
"Antique Purses: A History, Identification, and Value Guide"
Antique Purses Book

This wonderful book by Richard Holiner has literally hundreds and hundreds of color pictures of all types of vintage purses.  Values were updated in 1994, but considering current market trends, cannot really be considered accurate.  But for identification purposes, it is terrific!  We offer it at $1.00 off list.  

$23.95 including Priority mail delivery!*

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*Applies to Continental U.S.A. only.  
International orders will be calculated and
emailed to you for approval prior to processing your order.


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Tri-State Antique Center
47 W. Pike
Canonsburg, Pa.  15317
724-745-9116




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