French cut steel beads 50s gold evening bag

French cut steel beads 1950s gold & silver evening bag P206

Condition: Very good

Price: $125

Measurements
Size: 9" wide by 7" tall by 1.5" deep
Label: Hand Made in France

Description
This 1950s beaded evening bag is very heavy, for a very good reason--it is entirely covered with cut steel beads in an abstract design with various shade of silver and gold. It unusual to find cut steel beads on a 1950s bag; they are usually beaded with glass beads, while cut steel beads are more often found on older bags, dating from the 1910s and 1920s. However, the shape and design of the purse tell us that it is definitely from the 50s. It has a beaded "rope" handle and a beaded metal frame with a hinged flap that opens to reveal a cream satin interior with two slip pockets and a label, "Hand Made in France". Cut steel beads from France are generally thought to be better quality than those found elsewhere. There are a very few missing beads, most noticeable on the bottom corners and there are also a few missing from the handle, where the bag would get the most wear. They should not be noticeable unless the bag is examined very carefully. It is in very good condition with no other issues.