Purses in the 18th Century

During the eighteenth century, reticules was the name given to handbags. Reticules became a fashion statement. The functional element of handbags gave way to the design of the handbag . Handbags were used not just for travelers . Women would carry a bag but to carry other personal items including a fan, perfume, smelling salts and make-up (Scarlett O’hara had one in Gone With the Wind).

In the early 1900’s, people then began calling their reticules, handbags. This term was in reference to luggage that men carried. Women began carrying bags with complicated fasteners, internal compartments, and locks. In the 1920’s it was common for women to carry a doll dressed exactly like them that carried a matching bag, which was a smaller version of the doll. In the 40’s, with WWII, women’s purses were made out of wood or plastic since metal was being saved for supplies.

Source; The Godiva Chronicles