Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Lucite and Leather Handbag with Double-Sided Frame, c.1950s

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a clever and stylish 1950s handbag featuring a double-sided design with contrasting teal and black scalloped Lucite trim. The soft, gathered white leather body opens to reveal a delightfully vibrant, multi-colored pastel plaid fabric lining. It represents the peak of mid-century novelty handbag design, where playful materials met functional elegance.

Story

In the 1950s, a woman could change her entire look just by turning her purse around. This bag features a teal Lucite accent on one side and a classic black one on the other, offering two distinct styles in one clever accessory.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this bag is highly characteristic of mid-century American manufacturers like Julius Resnick or Koret, who specialized in combining high-quality leathers with the era's hottest new material: molded plastics. These makers transformed the humble purse from a simple container into a sculptural conversation piece.

Condition & Value

The bag shows moderate wear consistent with age, including surface scuffs, minor gray smudging, and tiny spots of discoloration on the white exterior. The metal frame shows light oxidation, but the Lucite trim is intact without cracks, and the interior plaid lining is remarkably clean and free of major staining.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.