Vintage "Greta" Leather Clutch Evening Handbag

Cathy picked up this vintage leather clutch evening handbag at an estate sale for a dollar. Dating and identifying it has been a challenge. As near as she can tell this is a 1940's or 1950's "Greta" purse, made in either Italy or Belgium.

The clearest clue for dating the handbag is the inside zipper. Various Internet sources suggest that the TALON diamond pull was produced in the 1940's and 1950's.

The stamp inside is "GRETA" surrounded by a large capital "G". Handbags with this mark show up for auction now and then. Some vendors say their handbags were made in Belgium, and some say Italy. The Talon zipper, by the way, was made in the U.S.A.

Here's the clutch bag by itself. without the coin purse. It measures about 6 by 8 inches.

The interior is nicely lined (and so is the interior of the coin purse).

This is the included coin purse, with brass hardware and leather-wrapped frame.

The clasp is capped off with a glass bead having the appearance of a star sapphire.

Here are all the fitted accessories: mirror, comb and coin purse.