Purses

Purses are hot collectibles, but the hottest designs are beginning to change. Large designer bags like Birkins still bring the highest prices, but look for small clutch purses popular in the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. They are bargains now but may not be for long. Best names: Chanel, Asprey, Cartier, Hermès. Look for jeweled or Bakelite clasps and great design. Watch out for poor condition, especially for leather. Most buyers want to use the bag as a clutch, but some add a thin strap inside the flap to make the clutch a small shoulder bag.