For Auction is a lovely Evening Bag made by Best & Co of New York. The Purse measures approximately 6 1/2" tall by 8 3/4" wide at the bottom. It measures 12" overall height including the handle.

The purse is constructed of Blue Silk exterior and Blue Satin on the interior. It has a God toned clasp for the hinged frame that closes securely. There is also a coin purse with a gold toned kiss clasp, a double sided mirror and the original tortoise shell mini comb. There are two open interior pockets to hold the mirror and comb in place. There is one additional zip pocket with a metal zipper that is in working order. The handle is a constructed of silk with Gold toned loop attachments. The coin purse has a gold toned tiny link chain that is separated from the purse however the chain is attached on the interior of the purse and no damage to the fabric. I don't have small tools to reattach the chain however it could be easily done with small pliers and a little patience. The outer frame is accented nicely with two parallel gold toned bars to accent this little gem.

Best & Co. was originally founded in New York City in 1879 by Albert Best and it was also known as the Liliputian Bazaar. It initially was a baby and children's quality clothing store but later expanded to stylish women's clothing and accessories as well. This was a very successful store that expanded to some 23 different locations. It closed in the 1970's and at the time employed 1200 employees. In 1997 Suzie Hilfiger reopened a business under the name of Best & Co. which this purse is not to be confused with as it is Vintage. The purse is signed on the interior with a sewn in white silk tag that reads "BEST & CO. FIFTH AVE-NEW YORK" in blue lettering.

The purse is considered to be in Very Good to Excellent Condition as the only issue to report is part of the label has come unattached to the silk fabric and has also taken some of the silk fabric with it. It is not fraying or tearing in that area and really does show very nicely. The purse was made Circa 1950's.

Antique Textiles
Vintage Clothing & Accessories