Vintage Bill Blass Leather Kiss-Lock Coin Purse in Burgundy
Coin Purse / Pouch / Minaudière. This is a small accessory used for currency or small essentials, featuring a classic frame silhouette. · Bill Blass. An iconic American luxury/designer brand founded by William Ralph Blass. Historically significant in the 20th-century New York fashion scene for ready-to-wear and accessories.
Collection: Vintage Accessories Line, likely part of a coordinated handbag and leather goods set from the late 20th century.
Style
Coin Purse / Pouch / Minaudière. This is a small accessory used for currency or small essentials, featuring a classic frame silhouette.
Brand
Bill Blass. An iconic American luxury/designer brand founded by William Ralph Blass. Historically significant in the 20th-century New York fashion scene for ready-to-wear and accessories.
Material
Pebbled and smooth leather exterior with a reinforced structured frame. The construction features machine-stitched seams with a decorative contrast stitch on the frontal flap overlay.
Dimensions
Width: 9 cm (3.5"), Height: 8 cm (3.1"), Depth: 1.5 cm (0.6"). Size is consistent with a standard handheld coin pouch.
Description
An elegant vintage Bill Blass coin purse crafted in a rich burgundy leather. It features the signature gold-tone BB logo and a nostalgic kiss-lock frame. The design bridges the gap between classic utility and designer luxury, perfect for collectors of vintage Americana.
Key Features
Interlocking 'BB' logo on the front flap; contrasting leather textures (smooth vs. pebbled); traditional kiss-lock frame; deep oxblood colorway.
Material & Construction
Pebbled and smooth leather exterior with a reinforced structured frame. The construction features machine-stitched seams with a decorative contrast stitch on the frontal flap overlay.
Color & Pattern
Burgundy/Oxblood. This is a deep red wine shade. It features a solid color with a tonal variation between the textured body and the smoother finish of the top flap.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone metal frame and kiss-lock (ball clasp) closure. It features a signature 'BB' logo hardware emblem on the front center of the flap.
Interior Description
Likely lined in a durable synthetic fabric or a lighter-weight leather (nappa). Typically features one main compartment for coins and folded bills.
Closure Type
Kiss-lock / Ball clasp. A traditional metal frame mechanism where two interlocking spheres snap past each other to secure the top.
Strap & Handle Details
N/A. This is a strapless accessory designed for hand-held use or to be placed inside a larger handbag.
Craftsmanship Details
Solid construction with hidden edge seams. The 'BB' logo is securely riveted/set into the leather. Stitch count is approximately 8-10 stitches per inch, consistent with high-quality vintage production.
Authentication Indicators
The logo matches the historic Bill Blass trademark. Stitching is straight and consistent. The metal frame weight and the snapping sound of the clasp are indicators of authentic period manufacturing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Made in the USA or Italy under license during the brand's peak retail period. Bill Blass accessories were known for high-tier Department Store quality.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (likely 1980s or early 1990s). The specific font of the 'BB' logo and the structured frame are characteristic of the 'Executive Chic' era of American design.
Age Estimate
Approximately 30-40 years old, likely produced between 1980 and 1995 based on the leather patina and hardware style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of the American 'Power Dressing' era where designer logos became accessible status symbols through small leather goods (SLGs).
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible creasing and softening of the leather at the bottom corners. Hardware shows some oxidation and wear to the gold plating. Moderate scratching on the front smooth leather flap.
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD. Resale value is determined by the niche vintage market and brand nostalgia rather than high-end investment potential.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a damp cloth and use a neutral leather conditioner (like Cadillac or Lexol) to prevent further cracking of the vintage leather. Store in a dry place to prevent metal corrosion.
Similar Handbags
Vintage Coach kiss-lock pouches, Dooney & Bourke All Weather Leather coin purses, or Pierre Cardin vintage pouches.
Interesting Facts
Bill Blass was a founding member of the CFDA and one of the first American designers to license his name across a wide range of products, including a special 'Bill Blass Edition' Lincoln Continental car.