Pillow Purse Value Guide

This 1930s pillow purse is a striking example of Art Deco era functional fashion, featuring a distinctive mixed-metal brass and copper finish. These small, decorative pouches were historically prized as wedding tokens or 'miser's purses,' symbolizing prosperity through their intricate etched designs and ornate metalwork.

What Is Pillow Purse Worth?

The typical price range for Pillow Purse is $50 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the metal finish, specifically the preservation of the original brass and copper luster versus heavy corrosion.
• The complexity and clarity of the etched decorative designs on both sides of the purse.
• The functionality of the ornate clasp and the structural integrity of the delicate hanging chain.
• Market demand for 1930s accessories, with current valuations typically ranging between $50 and $70.

How to Identify Pillow Purse?

• Look for the characteristic 'pillow' shape with a hollow, rounded metal body and a secure ornate clasp at the top.
• Examine the surface for specific 1930s-style etched patterns and the contrasting patina of authentic brass and copper materials.
• Verify the presence of a delicate suspension chain, which was standard for carrying these small coin-sized valuables.
• Check the interior and hinge for signs of early 20th-century manufacturing techniques rather than modern cast reproductions.

History of Pillow Purse

Pillow purses, also known as miser's purses or wedding purses, were popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Often crafted from metal or fabric, these small, decorative pouches were designed to hold coins or other small valuables. They were considered fashionable accessories and were sometimes given as gifts or wedding tokens, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.