Vintage Gold-Plated Metal Purse Frame with Kiss-Lock Clasp
Purse Frame/Clasps Accessory · Imitation yellow gold tone; possibly brass or gold-plated steel/alloy base.
Purity: Non-solid gold; likely electroplated or imitation gold-tone finish on base metal. Purity is 0% gold content by weight for the bulk material.
Type
Purse Frame/Clasps Accessory
Purity
Non-solid gold; likely electroplated or imitation gold-tone finish on base metal. Purity is 0% gold content by weight for the bulk material.
Gold Type
Imitation yellow gold tone; possibly brass or gold-plated steel/alloy base.
Weight
30-50 grams depending on base metal composition.
Description
A vintage metal frame designed for a fabric or leather clutch handbag. It features a decorative stippled surface texture and a classic kiss-lock mechanism with two teardrop-shaped knobs. The piece shows signs of vintage wear with a distinct golden-to-brassy patina.
Key Features
Textured 'pointed' stipple pattern on the exterior channel and elongated teardrop kiss-lock closure.
Color & Finish
Pale, brassy yellow gold tone with significant oxidation, pitting, and silver-tone base metal showing through at wear points. Texture features a stippled or raised dot pattern.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible; typical of mass-produced mid-to-late 20th-century handbag hardware.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 4-6 inches in width; suitable for a medium-sized clutch or evening bag.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; decorative elements consist solely of the embossed stippled metal texture and the teardrop-shaped kiss-lock finials.
Clasp & Closure
Double teardrop 'kiss-lock' tension closure; hinges located at the bottom corners.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; includes side loops at the hinges intended for the attachment of a chain or handle.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped base metal with simple hinge pinning and a basic electroplated finish.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for solid gold: uneven wear revealing silver/grey base metal, presence of green oxidation (verdigris), and lack of hallmarking. Most certainly not solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Inconclusive; likely a mass-produced component from West Germany, Italy, or Hong Kong during the mid-20th century handbag boom.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to Retro (circa 1950s-1970s) based on the kiss-lock design and stippled metalwork.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured between 1950 and 1975.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war era of accessible luxury where golden-toned accessories were popularized for evening wear in Western fashion.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor; significant surface corrosion, loss of gold-tone plating, metal pitting, and visible 'brassing' where the base metal is exposed. Functional integrity of the hinge appears intact but surface aesthetics are degraded.
Value Estimate
Low; primarily of interest as a replacement part for vintage restoration projects. Market value is likely under $10-15 USD. Melt value is zero.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft dry cloth; avoid moisture to prevent further corrosion. Do not use gold polishing cloths as they may strip the remaining thin plating.
Similar Items
Solid brass frames, 14K gold-filled heirloom frames (rare), or contemporary plastic/acrylic imitation frames.
Interesting Facts
During the mid-20th century, evening bags were often designed with replaceable frames so that the fabric body could be updated while keeping the hardware.