Description:
This is a precious little purse.
It is made of black crochet material. The crochet is nice and tight. There is a drawstring closure with brass tips. The whole thing is affixed to a plastic oval bottom.
The term "reticule" or "ridicule" means small purse or bag, originally of network but later of silk, rayon, etc. typically with a drawstring closure. The term "Reticule" referred to the fact that you would carry private or unmentionables (handkerchief, mirror, fan and dance card, some face powder and perfume) inside without anyone seeing what you were carrying. These little purses were fragile, so you could not put so much weight in these little purses.
This particular purse is in very very good condition. The crochet is nice and tight with not rips, tears, snags or holes. The drawstring is good and strong. One brass tip is slightly bent. The plastic or hard base is very good - no cracks, chips or breaks.
I cannot verify the age of this item. The person I bought it from referred to it as vintage. The styling is very old and the brass tips make me think it is old, however, the base is made of plastic. So my guess is that it is a mid century piece. Regardless, it is a neat purse that is unique and beautiful as it is useful.
Please see photos.
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