Vintage clutch 1950s.

Wilardy - for collectors. Vintage clutch rare with excellent condition with original tag. Size: 9.25” x 4.25” x 1.5”. Mirror: 7.75” x 1,85”. The Wilardy trademark was first used in 1948. The name was revived in 1967 and renewed in 1976 by a Chicago company, making Lucite bath accessories. Wilardy Handbags were marked either with a paper label or embossed lettering on the inside hinge surface. The US Pat. Pend on this example dates this bag before 1954. Wilardy US Patented Before 1954, Jewelry, handbags and other fashion items were protected by US Patent. The process of documenting and filing the paperwork for every item was cumbersome and expensive. The simpler copyright process was reserved for art, books and films. Leo Krussman of Trifari in New York was the first to file for copyright protection for costume jewelry design. After a favorable Supreme Court ruling, it became common practice for makers of fashion items to protect their designs with copyright, not patent. So, as a rule of thumb, items marked "Pat. Pend.", "Pat. Applied for", or "US PATENTED" can safely be dated pre-1954.