Gucci Vintage Information Thread
- Thread starter papertiger
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
Fun with vintage Gucci! Sadly, this lot of 10 vintage bags sold back in 2006 (for just £300!!!), so this is solely for informative purposes, but some of these bags look quite interesting indeed! The listing described them as ranging from 1940-1970s, and stated the suede ruffled one as from the 40's. Obviously no rush! I am looking forward to the education, and seeing how accurate the description was.
That'll be great, thank you PT! I was also wondering if the different shape of the Gucci logo (oval and rectangular) could help to identify the circa. It would be great, wouldn't it?
Please don't worry about the PT. Luckily I'm here for fun, not for workHope everything's fine there at home...
I PMed you about "home"
It does often help, but not always. For instance, in the 1980s Gucci reissued several older bag models, but because they had also previously reintroduced the brass shield charm, the oval script and/or the brass plaque (and no serial number) it makes it difficult to distinguish between these specific eras as they are basically the same bag.
It also doesn't help that some 1980s bags were worn to death while some bags from the '60s were put away and forgotten about so condition doesn't come into it either.
What 'niggles' me is the flat inside pocket with no contrasting leather trim (usually the colour of the outside of the bag). However, this could have been standard on a clutch of that time and not an 'irregularity'. Things get simpler in the 1980s and tiny details are left out unless on 'standout reissue pieces' (so again a rule with exceptions depending on model).
I am still checking my own collection and looking at pics, but historical inside pics are difficult to come by.
Isn't infuriating when you see a collection going for so little, I would have loved to have given them all a home
Most of the bags pictured had very long runs, Gucci doing variations on the originals and then going back to the original time and time again. Therefore, without looking inside it's hard to date them.
My best guesses are the diamond pattern BTH is from the mid-1950s (although there is another version that replaced it from 1960-65) The slight 'wave' to the front flap make it earlier than the 'ergonomic' 1960s version . The little 'treasure chest' shape bag is another one that pops-up time and time again and has a span of more than 30 years, there is a picture of Jean Shrimpton carrying one in the in the early 1970s even though the shape was prob thought to be quite old-fashioned by then and was soon replaced by bigger, softer styles. Top-handle bags were practically 'dead' during the 1970s.
The 'younger' bags are bags with the rounded GG logo on the front. They are both from the early-mid 1970s.
One of these, the 'saddle' bag with the cut-out on the flap (that TF based the 'Blondie' on) is of Gucci's most iconic designs. It uses the '1973' rounded logo and is extremely heavy bag because of the large brass medal. They were hugely popular at the time and were not kept for best and it's therefore hard to get one in near-mint condition.
I PMed you about "home"
It does often help, but not always. For instance, in the 1980s Gucci reissued several older bag models, but because they had also previously reintroduced the brass shield charm, the oval script and/or the brass plaque (and no serial number) it makes it difficult to distinguish between these specific eras as they are basically the same bag.
It also doesn't help that some 1980s bags were worn to death while some bags from the '60s were put away and forgotten about so condition doesn't come into it either.
What 'niggles' me is the flat inside pocket with no contrasting leather trim (usually the colour of the outside of the bag). However, this could have been standard on a clutch of that time and not an 'irregularity'. Things get simpler in the 1980s and tiny details are left out unless on 'standout reissue pieces' (so again a rule with exceptions depending on model).
I am still checking my own collection and looking at pics, but historical inside pics are difficult to come by.
Got the PM!
I can see how reissues could complicate authentication.
Agree that so often the 1960s bags could be found in much better condition than the ones from the 1980s. Do you think it's because people then used to take care of their possessions with a bit more care than two decades later? Just a thought 
Really appreciate your time and such informative details!
Isn't infuriating when you see a collection going for so little, I would have loved to have given them all a home
Most of the bags pictured had very long runs, Gucci doing variations on the originals and then going back to the original time and time again. Therefore, without looking inside it's hard to date them.
My best guesses are the diamond pattern BTH is from the mid-1950s (although there is another version that replaced it from 1960-65) The slight 'wave' to the front flap make it earlier than the 'ergonomic' 1960s version . The little 'treasure chest' shape bag is another one that pops-up time and time again and has a span of more than 30 years, there is a picture of Jean Shrimpton carrying one in the in the early 1970s even though the shape was prob thought to be quite old-fashioned by then and was soon replaced by bigger, softer styles. Top-handle bags were practically 'dead' during the 1970s.
The 'younger' bags are bags with the rounded GG logo on the front. They are both from the early-mid 1970s.
One of these, the 'saddle' bag with the cut-out on the flap (that TF based the 'Blondie' on) is of Gucci's most iconic designs. It uses the '1973' rounded logo and is extremely heavy bag because of the large brass medal. They were hugely popular at the time and were not kept for best and it's therefore hard to get one in near-mint condition.
Always interesting and educational! Thanks PT!
Got the PM!
I can see how reissues could complicate authentication.
Really appreciate your time and such informative details!
Rant warning
: Quite right, also IMHO, it's because of three historical points. A lot had to do with the postwar generation that valued personal freedom and equality (in some ways) but also threw away a lot of 'square' ideas about bourgeois things like taking care of possessions and keeping up appearances.
We think of Western Europe as rich and affluent (compared to Eastern Europe they certainly were) but post-WWII there were dire shortages, in the UK rationing was still in place until the mid-1950s and currency was not allowed to be taken abroad beyond 'expenses'. If people could afford it they might have a holiday abroad, to Switzerland if they also wanted a watch, to Paris if they needed a dress or to Italy for shoes. The boutique 'quick-change' culture in the 1960s changed that for younger people, but it took probably another decade or two before this group, the 'sixties generation' found their way uptown purchasing.
It's hard to imagine but even in 1960s things were scarcer including leather goods, a company was not able to set up globally. If someone was lucky enough to afford a luxury handbag they knew there might not be that many more around just like it (Gucci was only sold in a handful of stores, so few, Gucci could write the locations under the GUCCI logo on product boxes). The clientele were mostly older too, teens and twenty-somethings were more likely to be into plastic and vinyl fashion items and had their own hip places 'downtown', leaving Gucci (Chanel, Hermes et al) to their 'bourgeois' parents and a few discerning jet-set celebrities.
Secondly, those that did buy, appreciated how much time and work went into what were mostly handmade expensive 'treasures'. Shopping took time too. There are pictures of stars like Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress and John Wayne genuinely being shown products by Rudolfo or Aldo Gucci, checking for fit, comparing sizes, looking at stitching. The Guccis encouraged people to stay and consider their purchases. A pair of shoes would be stretched to fit, a new hole added to a bag strap so it would reach the curve of the waist etc. These things would be discussed over coffee and cakes would be served, item cost would only be added up when the customer needed to leave (this still happens for VIPs of course but my father (NOT a VIP) could expect (and got) the same treatment). Things were sent back for repair or a clean, to have initials added or changed when upon marriage. It sounds romantic but it was (and is) excellent business practice. I think Gucci is the only store that has ever sent me a handwritten postcard enquiring after my health when I hadn't visited them for 6 months. By the 1980s, 'YUPPIE' culture meant there was no time to invest in nurturing a relationship with 'mere' salespeople, PAs would be sent to choose a present for a wife or whole wardrobes could be selected from a catalogue.
Thirdly, I agree, as you pointed out earlier generations took care of their things, investing time and money to do so because they expected their things to last. Many more people knew how to take care of all their things. Their shoes were clean, polished and shaped with shoe trees their hair 'done' at least once a week, whatever their class or wealth. If they could afford them, furs went to be stored in furriers for Summer, RTW clothes altered or remodeled to fit them properly if they had put on a few pounds. So much less information was a round and yet somehow people knew the difference between real and faux, sable and mink, white and ivory. They didn't have overflowing wardrobes, things rammed and squashed together or leave leather 'stewing' in the sun.
I look at the care and maintenance threads on tPF and I'm stunned. People seem think if they buy some commercial 'miracle' soap or spray, it will just transform everything or keep something perfect forever with no 'elbow-work' involved. At the other end of the spectrum on tPF I see people buy things for thousands of dollars and put it away (cellophane still stick to the hardware) as an 'investment', worried about a scratch that would disappear with the rub of a thumb.
Last edited:
I also find the info posted about vintage Gucci handbags very informative.
However, I bought a "Kelly" double flap snakeskin vintage, in a consignment store. The outside and inside of the bag is in good condition. The outside material of the handle is made of snakeskin and the inside of the handle (the leather part) has few cracks. Is it worth sending it to Gucci service for repair????? By bringing it to a regular shoe/bag repair service will it lose the authenticity???? Need your opinion, please.....Thanks
However, I bought a "Kelly" double flap snakeskin vintage, in a consignment store. The outside and inside of the bag is in good condition. The outside material of the handle is made of snakeskin and the inside of the handle (the leather part) has few cracks. Is it worth sending it to Gucci service for repair????? By bringing it to a regular shoe/bag repair service will it lose the authenticity???? Need your opinion, please.....Thanks
Congratulations on your vintage Gucci Talo
Info is on #7 of this thread
In addition, like Hermes, Gucci won't do a patch-job on the handles, they will have to make a new handle.
Post it in the 'authenticate this' thread I don't mind helping with the odd one (unless you're making business of it) but I think there are places that will give you a written confirmation of authenticity (for a price). lease read the first 2 posts of the thread.
Another great info, thanks for your time
Pleasure.
We'd love to see it before or after restoration, it sounds great
Rant warning
Quite right, also IMHO, it's because of three historical points. A lot had to do with the postwar generation that valued personal freedom and equality (in some ways) but also threw away a lot of 'square' ideas about bourgeois things like taking care of possessions and keeping up appearances.
We think of Western Europe as rich and affluent (compared to Eastern Europe they certainly were) but post-WWII there were dire shortages, in the UK rationing was still in place until the mid-1950s and currency was not allowed to be taken abroad beyond 'expenses'. If people could afford it they might have a holiday abroad, to Switzerland if they also wanted a watch, to Paris if they needed a dress or to Italy for shoes. The boutique 'quick-change' culture in the 1960s changed that for younger people, but it took probably another decade or two before this group, the 'sixties generation' found their way uptown purchasing.
It's hard to imagine but even in 1960s things were scarcer including leather goods, a company was not able to set up globally. If someone was lucky enough to afford a luxury handbag they knew there might not be that many more around just like it (Gucci was only sold in a handful of stores, so few, Gucci could write the locations under the GUCCI logo on product boxes). The clientele were mostly older too, teens and twenty-somethings were more likely to be into plastic and vinyl fashion items and had their own hip places 'downtown', leaving Gucci (Chanel, Hermes et al) to their 'bourgeois' parents and a few discerning jet-set celebrities.
Secondly, those that did buy, appreciated how much time and work went into what were mostly handmade expensive 'treasures'. Shopping took time too. There are pictures of stars like Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress and John Wayne genuinely being shown products by Rudolfo or Aldo Gucci, checking for fit, comparing sizes, looking at stitching. The Guccis encouraged people to stay and consider their purchases. A pair of shoes would be stretched to fit, a new hole added to a bag strap so it would reach the curve of the waist etc. These things would be discussed over coffee and cakes would be served, item cost would only be added up when the customer needed to leave (this still happens for VIPs of course but my father (NOT a VIP) could expect (and got) the same treatment). Things were sent back for repair or a clean, to have initials added or changed when upon marriage. It sounds romantic but it was (and is) excellent business practice. I think Gucci is the only store that has ever sent me a handwritten postcard enquiring after my health when I hadn't visited them for 6 months. By the 1980s, 'YUPPIE' culture meant there was no time to invest in nurturing a relationship with 'mere' salespeople, PAs would be sent to choose a present for a wife or whole wardrobes could be selected from a catalogue.
Thirdly, I agree, as you pointed out earlier generations took care of their things, investing time and money to do so because they expected their things to last. Many more people knew how to take care of all their things. Their shoes were clean, polished and shaped with shoe trees their hair 'done' at least once a week, whatever their class or wealth. If they could afford them, furs went to be stored in furriers for Summer, RTW clothes altered or remodeled to fit them properly if they had put on a few pounds. So much less information was a round and yet somehow people knew the difference between real and faux, sable and mink, white and ivory. They didn't have overflowing wardrobes, things rammed and squashed together or leave leather 'stewing' in the sun.
I look at the care and maintenance threads on tPF and I'm stunned. People seem think if they buy some commercial 'miracle' soap or spray, it will just transform everything or keep something perfect forever with no 'elbow-work' involved. At the other end of the spectrum on tPF I see people buy things for thousands of dollars and put it away (cellophane still stick to the hardware) as an 'investment', worried about a scratch that would disappear with the rub of a thumb.
Papertiger- this was one of the coolest things I have read in awhile... Thank you so much, really interesting, almost made me feel like I was there many years ago