Victorian Silk Crochet Reticule Purse | Belle Époque 1890s–1900s | Likely French | Drawstring Tassel Bag
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Victorian Silk Crochet Reticule Purse | Belle Époque 1890s–1900s | Likely French
A genuinely rare find — this Belle Époque silk reticule purse is one of a kind. After extensive research, nothing quite like it has been found. In a beautiful light cognac and umber brown, the purse is conical in shape with an intricate, delicate crochet lace pattern, a scalloped top edge, double drawstrings, and a hanging tassel. The crochet feels like mercerized crochet luster silky cotton — luminous and refined.
On French provenance: Several details point strongly to French origin. The crochet is worked in an exceptionally fine gauge — the kind made with a tiny hook used for lace work, a hallmark of the French dentelle (lace) crochet tradition. The burnished brown silk base is consistent with Lyon silk production, the center of European silk craft during this period. The intricate pattern and refined execution are characteristic of French Belle Époque needlework, which was more delicate and decorative than English or American work of the same era. The word “reticule” itself is French — and France was at the forefront of this accessory form throughout the 19th century.
A little history: The reticule — called the “Indispensable” in England — was the first true handbag carried by women from the 17th to 19th centuries. As fashion shifted toward slimline silhouettes inspired by Greek and Roman styles, full-skirted dresses with pockets fell out of favor, and the drawstring handbag was born. Reticule bags were often handmade by ladies at home, each one a unique expression of artistry and skill.
- Era: 1890s–1900s (Belle Époque)
- Label: None found
- Origin: Likely French
- Size: Small
- Material: Silk / Mercerized crochet luster cotton
- Condition: Very Good — Lightly brushed, vacuumed with a screen, and lightly steamed. Clean interior, no stains or odors.
Condition Notes
- Crochet has no pulls or breaks — tight and intact
- Fabric and straps are sturdy
- No fabric decay or tears found
- A tiny area on the material is slightly lighter than the rest — barely noticeable, shown in photographs
- Crochet has a beautiful deep yellow gold-aged coloring
- Both sides photographed; white tissue paper inside to show crochet pattern
Item Details
- Conical shape with hanging tassel
- Intricate fine-gauge crochet lace pattern
- Burnished brown silk base
- Scalloped top edge
- Double drawstrings with tassels
- Light cognac and umber brown colorway
MEASUREMENTS
- 10½" length
- 4½" width at top — measured flat across
- 5½" width at middle — measured flat across
- 5" hanging tassel
Orders are processed within 1–3 business days and ship via USPS Priority Mail, typically arriving within 2–3 business days. All orders ship from New York. A signature is required for all orders over $200 to ensure safe delivery of your purchase. If you are unavailable at the time of delivery, the carrier will leave a notice to schedule a redelivery or arrange pickup at a local post office.
Every HudsonFlowVintage piece is personally inspected and
graded for condition before listing, using our Vintage Condition Guide.
Items are cleaned using eco-friendly methods appropriate for each
garment. All condition details are clearly noted in each listing — what
you see is what you get.
To preserve the quality of your pre-owned piece, we recommend dry cleaning or gentle hand washing where appropriate. Always check the garment label for specific care instructions. Avoid direct sunlight when storing to prevent fading.
We accept returns within 7 days of delivery on eligible clothing items. Items must be unworn and in the same condition as received. The following are Final Sale and not eligible for return or exchange: bags, purses, jewelry, lingerie, belts, accessories, and all handmade or hand-embroidered pieces. Handmade items represent significant artisan labor and are truly one of a kind. Please contact us before sending any return.
