Lucite Vanity bags are rare and this example’s 6-sided shape and fabulous rhinestone embellished bas-relief escutcheon plate just add to its desirability. Wilardy’s catalogue describes this color as “Mottled Pearl.” It has a creamy quality, not a cold white. The large top vanity, identical to one in the 1952-53 catalogue, is likely made by Elgin American and includes a secret compartment beneath the hinged loose powder compact which comes without the original sifter and puff. A hinged lipstick tube flips up to allow use, but avoids the loose, rattling tubes seen in lesser products. Another compartment for cash or cigarettes nestles behind the hinged top mirror. The bag’s friction latch in the envelope flap style lid opens to a large lid mounted mirror and a spacious unlined interior. Carries the incised Wilardy mark. There are some condition issues including a small, non-propagating internal crack at the left front (see detail), spotting on the compact’s metal edges and speckling of the compact’s mirror. The bag’s lid mounted mirror is cracked all the way across and the finish of the interior hinge shows wear. If you expect only perfection, this is not you bag. But if beauty and rarity activate your collecting bug, this is a rare example that is usable and highly collectible. This bag in brown is illustrated on page 45 of "Vintage Vanity bags & Purses" by Roselyn Gerson, valued at $300-400 in 1997. Measures 8 ¼ x 4 x 7 ¾”.

This item was part of the archives of the Bag Lady Emporium, originally in operation from 1996 through 2022.

Related Pages: Lucite, Wilardy