1920s Micro Beaded Art Deco Purse w/ Calling Cards
An extraordinary 1920s Art Deco micro-beaded evening purse featuring an intricate chevron, fan, and scroll motif micro glass seed beads. The purse features a detailed embossed brass metal frame with floral and scrolling leaf filigree, a push-knob kiss lock, and a chain handle. The bottom is finished with dense beaded fringe in complementary tones. Comes with original social calling cards found inside.
Condition: Excellent antique condition. Fringe is largely intact and fluid. Original fabric lining exhibits significant age related wear, tearing, and fraying (typical for delicate 1920s silk/satin linings). Inner coin pouch shows minor yellowing/soiling.
Provenance & Included Ephemera: Dr. Justin Ford Kimball was the superintendent of Dallas ISD and a Baylor University Vice President who revolutionized healthcare by inventing the 50-cent-a-month hospital prepayment plan for local teachers—the exact system that evolved into Blue Cross Blue Shield."
The calling cards reveal this bag belonged to his wife, Annie, and passed down through their daughter Elizabeth (who married geophysicist Robert Barton Pratt), making this purse a direct piece of Dallas royalty and modern healthcare history.
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Antique Calling Cards : Comes with original social calling cards found inside:
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Calling card inscribed "Mrs. Justin F. Kimball".
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Calling cards and tissue sleeves inscribed "Robert Barton Pratt".
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Measurements
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Height : 8.5 inches (top of frame to bottom of beaded fringe)
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Width: 6 inches
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Chain Drop: 7 inches
Specifics
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Era: 1920s / Art Deco
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Item: Micro Beaded Evening Bag / Purse
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Material: Micro Glass Seed Beads, Brass Frame, Fabric Lining
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Color: Silver, Bronze, Pewter/Grey, Brass
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Pattern: Art Deco Geometric / Chevron / Fan Motif
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Features: Embossed Brass Frame, Beaded Fringe, Chain Handle, Kiss-Lock Closure, Matching Coin Purse, Original Ephemera/Calling Cards Included
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Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown
Processed within 1 business day (not included in shipping carrier’s estimated arrival time). Tracking is uploaded immediately upon shipment.