Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a striking, vintage evening clutch featuring a scalloped edge and a dense, undulating pattern of silver-tone seed beads and tubular bugle beads. The design creates a shimmering, wave-like texture that catches the light beautifully, evoking the glamour of classic Art Deco style but executed in the late 20th century.
Story
Founded in the 1950s, La Regale became the go-to name for accessible evening glamour. This clutch, hand-beaded in China during the 1980s, carries on a centuries-old tradition of meticulous hand-embellishment.
Maker / Origin
La Regale Ltd. was established in New York and quickly became a premier manufacturer of evening bags, known for their beaded, sequined, and metallic designs. They frequently outsourced their highly detailed beadwork to skilled artisans in Asia, particularly China and Hong Kong, combining American design with traditional hand-craftsmanship.
Condition & Value
The exterior beadwork appears largely intact with no major missing sections visible in the photos. The interior fabric lining shows some light discoloration/staining around the maker's label. Excellent condition with zero missing beads commands a premium, while loose threads or missing beads reduce value by 30-50%.
Full Research
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.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.