January 25th, 2009 by Reck

Like most cheap vintage clothes vintage leather pieces, purses are also classified according to its state of preservation. If you are trying to find some pieces to fit into your wardrobe or part of your collection, you should be at least versed with the leather terminology and how to determine leather value.

Vintage leather purses termed mint condition means that these pieces are almost like new. Although they may be several years old already, these purses were probably never used at all and remains exactly how it looked like when it first became available. Excellent condition means that the vintage leather purses may be showing some sign of wear due to age, but there probably are no major problems in designs or function. Near excellent condition or the term “gently used” simply means that the leather may be seen with minimal wear. The design and function still remains at top caliber despite being slightly used. Finally, very good condition or the term “used” means that the purse was probably used by a former owner on a regular basis and the leather shows more noticeable wear. However, these pieces still remain in pretty good shape.

Vintage leather purses are also classified according to the quality and make of the leather itself. Patent leather pieces should be sleek, glossy and free from cracks or breakage. Their colors should be shiny as well. Unusual colorations or combination of colors also play a critical role in naming the price of such pieces. Hand tooled leather and woven leather pieces are also valued for their intricate designs. Usually, these pieces are very rare and expensive. The maker of the piece or the name of the designing house is another element that dictates value.

Vintage Ingber Black Patent Leather Purse Handbag US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Mar-09-2010 22:04:31 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Longchamp Leather Purse Horse Handbag US $129.98 End Date: Tuesday Mar-09-2010 22:17:29 PST Add to watch list

NICE Authentic Vtg COACH Black Leather Court Bag PURSE US $29.95 End Date: Tuesday Mar-09-2010 22:29:12 PST Add to watch list

VTG 80s CELINE Black LEATHER Evening Bag Clutch Purse US $247.50 End Date: Tuesday Mar-09-2010 22:50:57 PST Add to watch list

CESARE PICCINI black leather vintage purse bag Handbag US $99.00 End Date: Tuesday Mar-09-2010 22:52:57 PST Add to watch list

CUTE 40s 50s Vintage Tan LEATHER Purse DOCTORS Bag US $13.67 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 2:06:51 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE LEATHER PURSE WOMENS FLOWER REALLY COOL UNIQUE US $10.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 2:14:46 PST Add to watch list

CARTIER AUTHENTIC VINTAGE BROWN RED LEATHER HUGE PURSE US $189.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 3:28:25 PST Add to watch list

GUCCI AUTHENTIC WOMEN'S VINTAGE BLACK LEATHER PURSE US $59.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 3:31:27 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Checkered Leather Women's Purse with Fringe US $7.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 5:19:37 PST Add to watch list

VTG Oleg Cassini Large Brown Leather Shoulder Bag Purse US $110.00 End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 5:21:41 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Etienne Aigner leather Clutch Bag Purse US $29.99 End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 5:23:26 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE JOHN ROMAIN LEATHER TAUPE SATCHEL BAG PURSE US $48.00 End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 7:24:54 PST Add to watch list

Vintage suede & leather handled ladies purse VKK estate US $25.00 End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 7:26:18 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE LEATHER PURSE HANDMADE , UNMARKED US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 7:38:29 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE DOONEY AND BOURKE RED LEATHER HANDBAG PURSE US $10.49 (2 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 7:46:57 PST Add to watch list

STUDDED SOFT LEATHER PURSE!! L@@k VINTAGE- DIFFERENT US $16.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 7:56:34 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Hermes Bone / Ivory Leather Kelly Bag Purse US $510.00 (9 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 8:00:33 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Black Leather DORIAN Hard Sided Hinge Top Purse US $11.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 8:08:36 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE FLOWER TOOLED LEATHER PURSE HAND BAG US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 8:44:00 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Wicker & Leather Purse made in SPAIN US $5.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 8:45:05 PST Add to watch list

Coach Vintage leather Blue messenger Shoulder bag purse US $15.49 (2 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 8:49:18 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Retro Brown Lizard Skin Leather Purse Bag 1940s US $9.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 8:50:55 PST Add to watch list

VINTAGE CHERRY RED LEATHER PURSE/CHECK BOOKCOVER US $7.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 9:00:37 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Italian Navy Blue Leather Carryon Handbag Purse US $49.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 9:01:25 PST Add to watch list

Vtg Tan NATIVE Tooled Leather BoHo Shoulder Bag Purse US $149.99 End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 9:03:52 PST Add to watch list

Vintage leather purse with bakelite handle US $5.50 (5 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 9:11:52 PST Add to watch list

Vintage 1960's Hot Red Patent Leather Purse-Handbag US $8.75 (1 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 9:18:10 PST Add to watch list

Vintage SABER Leather Red Handbag Purse Small US $31.95 (7 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 10:00:05 PST Add to watch list

Vintage Eye Glasses and Old Leather Purse US $2.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Mar-10-2010 10:07:16 PST Add to watch list