Vintage 1950's Tortoiseshell Lucite Box Bag Rialto Barrel Bag
By Rialto
Located in Nashville, TN
A beauty to behold, this original vintage 1950's box bag, rendered in a swirling marbled tortoiseshell coloured lucite, and accented by gold metal hardware, is just the perfect piec...
1950s Art Deco Fake Tortoiseshell Bakelite Italian Minaudière by Ipes
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage Italian handbag is a striking example of mid-century Bakelite craftsmanship, showcasing the elegance and experimentation of that era’s accessory design. Made from richly...
1940s Dark Faux Tortoiseshell Bakelite and Brass Italian Evening Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This stunning piece is a beautiful example of Art Deco and post-war design, showcasing the sophisticated use of Bakelite in high fashion. The bag features a sleek, structured body cr...
1990's Chanel Denim & Tortoiseshell Logo Plaque Tote Purse Handbag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
Dating to the 90's, this rare & authentic Chanel structured top-handle bag pairs dark washed denim with faux-tortoiseshell resin details for an unexpectedly refined, minimalist s...
Chanel 1994 Jumbo Lambskin Flap Bag with Tortoiseshell CC & Chain
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Chanel Jumbo Tortoise Shell Resin Flap Bag crafted in caramel/camel lambskin leather with oversized tortoise resin CC turn-lock hardware and matching tortoise resin and leath...
A precious red Leather Reticule purse with tortoiseshell inlay - England C. 1836
Located in Toulon, FR
Dated 1836 England Rare inlaid tortoiseshell red "Maroquin" Reticule dating from the period of King William IV, before Queen Victoria's accession to the English throne in 1837. Insid...
Fendi Taupe Regular Peekaboo Tortoiseshell Plexi Bag
By Fendi
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Classic peekaboo in regular or medium size. Slight wrinkling and scuffs on the leather. Good condition overall. Minor scratch mark on the lining and turn lock. Comes with strap. Cute...
Unavailable
H 12 in W 11 in D 4.5 in
Chanel Brand New Vintage Brown Caviar Faux Tortoiseshell Backpack
By Chanel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Chanel Brand New Vintage Brown Caviar Faux Tortoiseshell Backpack * Marked Chanel * Made in Italy * 560XXXX * Comes with the original dustbag * Brand new for this vintage item -It ...
Unavailable
H 5.91 in W 9.85 in D 2.37 in
Chanel Around 1995 Made Tortoiseshell Classic Flap Chain Bag 25Cm Black
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Around 1995 Made Tortoiseshell Classic Flap Chain Bag 25Cm Black Additional information: Measurements: H 15 x W 25 x D 6 cm Shoulder drop: 106 cm This item has been used an...
Chanel green suede tortoiseshell handle handbag
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Chanel green suede tortoiseshell handle handbag. - Tortoiseshell CC turn-lock closure. - Three compartments. - Zip closure. - Two interior zip pockets. - Leng...
Chanel Black Leather Tortoiseshell Handle Handbag
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Chanel black leather with round shape tortoiseshell handle handbag. A very 60s retro style bag. - Featuring double tortoiseshell handles, one interior leather zipper ...
Chanel Black Lambskin Leather Tortoiseshell Handle Handbag
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Chanel black lambskin leather with tortoiseshell handle handbag. Featuring double tortoiseshell handles, one interior leather zipper pocket and one interior slip pocke...
RARE Chanel Vintage Tortoiseshell Plexiglass Box Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
An very rare vintage Chanel box bag. This expretly crafted piece features a spacious compartment, internal pocket, plexiglass link strap and a CC logo. Colour: Tortoiseshell Ma...
Dolce and Gabbana Tortoiseshell Flower Box Bag
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
This unique Dolce & Gabbana bag exudes a classic vintage feel. The intricate design features brown plexi, red and gold enamel flowers and gold-plated hardware. The item comes with...
Chanel Shoulder Bag Matelasse Lambskin Tortoiseshell Plastic Chain Shoulder Beig
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A timeless yet distinctive design from the House of Chanel, this Matelassé quilted shoulder bag is elevated by its striking tortoiseshell chain strap an elegant nod to vintage Chanel...
Chanel camel brown quilted leather VINTAGE TORTOISESHELL STRAP Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
Chanel quilted shoulder bag camel leather with faux tortoiseshell handles. Closes with a zipper. Lined in cognac faux leather with one zipper pocket against the back and one against ...
Sold
Size: Width 17 cm, height 15 cm,
A precious red Leather Reticule with tortoiseshell inlay - England Dated 1836
Located in Toulon, FR
Dated 1836 England Rare inlaid tortoiseshell red "Maroquin" Reticule dating from the period of King William IV, before Queen Victoria's accession to the English throne in 1837. Insi...
Sold
H 7.88 in W 11.82 in D 3.35 in
Chanel Brown Suede Tortoiseshell Effect Vintage Jumbo Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Brown Quilted Suede Tortoiseshell Effect Vintage Jumbo Classic Single Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1517 Brand: Chanel Model: Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag Type: Sh...
Chanel Vintage Tortoiseshell Black Evening bag
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel black silk tortoiseshell detail evening bag is a rare and stunning addition for any collection. The bag features the iconic CC logo, and a magnetic opening. Th...
1940s Faux Tortoiseshell Bakelite and Brass Italian Evening Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This stunning piece is a beautiful example of Art Deco and post-war design, showcasing the sophisticated use of Bakelite in high fashion. The bag features a sleek, structured body cr...
Sold
H 5.5 in W 8.5 in D 2.13 in
Bolta Lucite Faux Tortoiseshell Handbag with Oversize Ball Clasp – 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Bolta, the maker of the instantly recognizable Boltabest TV dinner trays of the 1950s, was one of the premier manufacturers of Lucite housewares during the mid-century. This clamshel...
Coblentz Italian Soft Black Leather Handbag with a Faux Tortoiseshell Clasp
By Coblentz
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Coblentz Italian soft black leather handbag with a faux tortoiseshell foldover clasp, and featuring five pleats to the front and back. Measuring 24.5cm / 9.64 inches at the...
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H 7.49 in W 14.18 in D 1.97 in L 25.6 in
A 1980s Black Leather and Faux Tortoiseshell Bakelite Italian Top Handle Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This sophisticated 1980s Italian top handle bag is a striking example of late 20th-century luxury, combining architectural structure with eclectic materials. The body is expertly cra...
Sold
H 5.5 in W 7.25 in D 3.5 in
White Caviar Bead Box Purse w Tortoiseshell Lucite Lid and Braid Handle, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Post-war suburban gold, this nostalgic box purse combines the glamour of pavé beading with the retro appeal of Lucite to create a handbag appropriate for day or evening. A braided ca...
Rare Vintage Chanel Denim Tortoiseshell Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Rare denim tote with tortoiseshell detail. Beautiful condition. Comes with logo tortoiseshell tag. Minor scuffs and rubbing on the corners. Overall still in great condition. Series #...
Sold
H 8.27 in W 11.82 in D 3.55 in
Chanel 1996-1997 Denim Faux Tortoiseshell Chain Classic Flap Jumbo Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Classic Flap Plastic Chain Shoulder Bag Denim Indigo Additional information: Material : Denim, Leather, Plastic Color: Indigo Pocket : Outside: Pocket*1, Inside: Pocket*1, Zi...
Vintage Chanel Quilted Brown Suede Handbag with Tortoiseshell Chain
By Chanel
Located in Westhampton Beach, NY
Stunning quilted brown suede Chanel handbag with faux tortoiseshell lid and chain. Original Chanel Care Booklet is included. Hologram 4759515 denotes the years 1996 - 1997. Interior...
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
What these styles lack in name recognition they more than make up for in cachet.
Before the Birkin there was the Haut à Courroies, which has become the chic carryall of choice for the league's most stylish athletes.
Accented with a sculptural golden handle and a pair of swishy tassels, the design never went into production.
These celebrities prove that the famous design works with both sleek dresses and streetwear.
Fashion designers are revisiting and reimagining the era's It bags.
The sale sets a new record for the highly coveted handbag.
Does wicker get more high-end than this?
Several of the pieces sold for well above their estimates.