A Passion for Purses and . . . . Kat Out of the Bag, . . . . . . . . . In Purse-Suit Mysteries: Vintage Compacts at White River Museum

From the 1940's and 1950's these matching accessories are designed to be carried in a middle size, over the arm handbag from the 1940's or 1950's, like the Evans bag in the picture from the White River museum Bags exhibit earlier this year. The matched accessories include a powder compact for blush that's leak proof and has a soft velour puff. Also a one piece pop up lipstick holder, cigarette case, lighter, and comb. The full set like this, including the purse in 1940 would have been priced at $41.50 + tax.

The Evans Case Company of North Attleboro, MA manufactured American compacts between 1920 and 1960. The company started by making brass buttons. As competition in the button business increased, they branched into other items such as picture frames and neck chains for US Navy dog tags. With the end of WWI, they were looking for other items again. That's when they started making compacts. These were a big hit and they could barely keep up with sales demand.

Another option of the time is a compact designed to have all the accessories within it. Then you carry just the single compact in your mid-size purse. This one has a pretty gold metal finish.

Here's a real sparkler, rhinestone set. One of the challenges in collecting vintage is that over time these separate, small accessories get separated and misplaced. It's more valuable and exciting when you find a collection intact.

Another gold plated intact compact

Pretty compact with faux sapphires.

For when you don't want to carry a big purse. Instead a holder for converting a pretty, gold plated compact into a sort of wristlet

A collection of "dance bags" by Briggs. These began as especially fashionable in the 1920's. Some brands of dance bags, not pictured here, had a metal circle at the top of the extended chain which was a "finger loop". Inside, the necessities of a compact.