I made some neat finds I made at the Vintage Clothing Expo
http://www.vintageexpo.com/ today. Most of what was there was later than the costuming I do. There were a few Victorian hats (pricey) and a few lovely Victorian dresses (too small and fragile) but then I found these- Three antique Victorian reticules (draw-string purses) These were used back in the days when women did not need purses because when they went shopping they would put everything on account and their husbands would pay the bill. They didn't carry money, so all they needed was a tiny satchel around the wrist for a key and a few personal items. These pre-date purses.
Looking at what antique reticules run, I did pretty well (The two beaded ones were $25 each, the crocheted one was $30) Similar ones on Ebay look to be going for considerably more, starting at about $60 and going up from there, so I'm pleased with that. (They do make reproductions for historic reenactors that are less.) All three of these are in great shape, nice and sturdy.
This one is covered in glass beads, under the loupe I can see a lot of varition in the sizes and shapes of the beads. the drawstring is threaded through tiny wooden rings (one metal replacement ring at the bottom appears to have been added later) Under the loupe these look like they are oak with dark walnut stain on them. They are definitely hand carved. I can see tool marks all over them and there is a lot of variation. In the photo below the metal ring is at the bottom and the others are wood.
This one is also covered in tiny glass beads, and the drawstrings are run through a crocheted top. Like the one above, there is a lot of variation in the beads when you look at them under a loupe. Like the one above they are definitely glass, much cooler to the touch than plastic would be.
This last one is crocheted. I love the tiny "acorn" dangles, which are also crocheted. The whole piece is lined on the inside and in really great shape. I put my hand in with this one so that you can get an idea of how big these are:
