Lucite Purses - A Brief History and Buying Guide



Posted: Tuesday, April 19, 2005

by
Henrietta's Handbags

Lucite purses got their start in the early 1950’s, when post war technology came up with the idea for a higher class of plastic called lucite. This material was ideal for use in boxy style handbags and could be manufactured in opaque or translucent color. Decorations were easy to add and included confetti, shells, flowers, or just about anything else you could stick on a purse!

These purses became all the rage of bigger cities such as Miami and New York City and the handbag companies loved these bags because they could be made into unusual shapes easily. The most expensive lucite purses were made by Wilardy of New York and were showcased in major department stores throughout the country. Of course with popularity came replication and many cheaper versions were made.

Do you think you have found a genuine high quality lucite purse? The best of the designers were Rialto, Llewllyn, Gilli Originals, Patricia of Miami, Evans, and Myles and Maxim. These companies marked their handbags on the inside with a stamp on the metal frames or a clear label. These bags are now collectors items that sell for large sums but, unfortunately, some of clear labels have fallen off with age making absolute identification difficult.

Check the lucite purse over carefully and realize that, if you are buying for an investment, authentication is very important and if it cannot be proved as real, your investment is worthless.
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More comments
» left by Elaine Russo
from newport beach,CA 4 years 214 days ago.
Henrietta, Please help me, I'm desperate ! I recently used my Mom's beautiful and PERFECT Rialto lucite evening bag. It accidently fell on the floor and cracked. I need to have it repaired and I don't know where to go. This bag is something my Mom cherished and she has passed away,so you can imagine how terrible I feel. In fact, I'm crying as I write you this note. If you can help me, I will truly be in your debt. Thank you,so much. Regards,Elaine P.S. I love your guide.....very helpful.
» left by Tiffany
from Matthews, NC 4 years 168 days ago.
Carol to test if it's bakelite dip a Q-tip in 409 (must be 409) and wipe an area of the plastic with it. If it's bakelite the swab will turn yellow. Lucite has a test too but it's not as foolproof as the 409/bakelite test. True lucite or bakelite many times does not have a stamp, but as the OP stated there are certain designers that are very coveted (Lewellyn is my favorite!). There are lots of unsigned copycat pieces that are vintage and adorable though!
» left by Ken kestenholtz
from Fremont, nebraska 3 years 313 days ago.
I have a purse that I think might be bakelite it has a label with nelson orginal on the inside of the purse. Could you give me some information about this puse and it's label, like where, when
» left by Cheryl L
from Massachusetts 3 years 225 days ago.
Henrietta - Do you know if Chanel ever made a lucite box purse? I have one that appears to be authentic with double 'c' clasp (of same material). The purse also has the signature Chanel chain strap in the same material. The color is like that of tortoise. Many thanks.
» left by Anonymous 3 years 225 days ago.
Hi Cheryl; I don't believe the Chanel ever experimented with lucite for her handbags, even though this company does make a braclet in lucite. Sorry I couldn't be of more help:) Henrietta Henrietta's Handbags
» left by malena
from Pennsylvania 2 years 329 days ago.
Chanel did make a plastic tortoise box purse with a plastic chain handle. A square and a round version. It is about 5-10 years old. I just listed it for sale online. If you google it, you will see it.
» left by Tamara from Alexandria, VA 2 years 242 days ago.
Just bought a nice butterscotch purse (Lewsid Jewel) at a flea market in California, only to find a few days later that it exudes vinegar smell, i.e. I think it has "the disease." Is there at least some way to slow down the decay process by storing it in dry condition at cool temperatures or the like? Luckily, I got it for very little money, but I still hate the fact that it's deteriorating. I have already read that I must separate it from the other items in my collection (that shouldn't be a problem), but some people recommend tossing it in the trash. Isn't that a bit drastic?
» left by Kelly
from Virginia 1 year 237 days ago.
I just bought a Myles bag (sort of a creamy yellow color--pearlized). It definitely has a smell, but I would say that it smells of cigarette smoke...not vinegar. Is there any way to clean it that won't damage the bag or is this the smelly breakdown I'm read on the other posts?
» left by Judy
from Ga. 1 year 18 days ago.
I have a Gilli original / New york lucite purse with the cloth lable inside on the hinge. My question is: how do I go about finding a buyer for it and who could tell me the true value? Thank you, Judy
» left by cathi y from washington 187 days 17 hours ago.
My Aunt gave me a hard plastic purse and it says Gilli originals new york perfect conndition she says this was the first plastic ever it has a plastic handle and star like design in the plastic and a little clear bag inside please tell me what it is worth and maybe who buys these.Went through a bad divorce and i need money soon.
» left by Pamela from Florida 9 days 23 hours ago.
I have a Lucite purse that says Gilli Originals New York inside on the brass plate. It has some kind of pattern in the top like leaves. It is in original conditon and no flaws anywhere. Can anyone tell me how much it might be worth and where I can find a buyer for it? Thanks

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