Gorgeous, Fre-Mor beaded box handbag and matching change purse.

These amazing 1940s vintage bags are becoming more and more rare AND costly. They are highly prized by collectors, particularly if they are signed and of exceptional design. During WW11 materials for manufacturing were restricted and the apparel industry was limited in the types of goods they had available to them. Leather and metal were needed for the military so handbag makers had to get creative. Beaded bags became popular along with various types of plastic. This tradition continued long after the war into the 1950s.

The bag we offer here is a perfect example. The shape is a boxy oval encrusted with deep blue, iridescent beadwork (think blue carnival glass) The beadwork is done in staggered panels of looped fringe and flat beading. It has a wide beaded handle, which finishes on both sides with bead fringe. The lid is faux tortoise lucite, engraved with beautiful scrollwork. At first I thought this was purely decorative but if you look closely it is an intricate monogram with the letters E-T/F?-B. The center letter could be either. Inside it is lined with deep brown satin. There is one pocket for a mirror or comb. When I bought this I was delighted to see it had a matching beaded change purse with looped detail. The change purse zips with a white metal zipper and is lined in black satin.

The original mirror on the inside hinged lid has been replaced. More often than not time destroys the backing on old mirrors which is very unsightly. I had to search high and low to find a glass company who carried the thin mirror stock needed for this bag. They did a great job but to my disappointment they could not bevel the edges on such a small bit of mirror so I took a piece of vintage metallic gold cord and framed around the edge for a more professional look. The mirror has been applied with non-acid adhesive so the finish will stay bright.

The bag has a deco inspired brass clasp and inside the label says An Original Fre-Mor Creation. A nice size it has the following dimensions

Handbag

Length 7 1/4"

Depth 3 1/4"

Height (with out handle) 5"

Change Purse

Length 6"

Width 4"

Aside from the replaced mirror this bag and matching purse are in Excellent Condition