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Lucite or plastic purses have not been manufactured now in about 40 years. They are very fragile and should be handled with care, even at a tag or yard sale.
Look for a purse that does not have a chemical odor to it--an odor indicates that the plastic material is beginning to degrade. If there is anything at all broken or cracked on it, for instance around the hinge or ends of handles, or if the mirror is broken, loose or has been reglued -- it will have lost most of it's value.
Lucite purses should not be tested with chemicals or with the "hot pin" method. You already know it is plastic. You should look for the maker's name inscribed on the metal hinge inside the purse or on a paper tag on the outside, bottom of the piece. The name with which I am most familiar is Wilardy. There are many others though--just search on eBay for "bakelite purse" or "lucite purse" as this is how most are listed and several different makers may be listed.
That's all there is to it. If the purse is an unusual color and/or shape, and your goal is to make a good profit, your purse should sell at a high price. If the purse is not uncommon, it should still sell for a very good price.
Guide created: 05/03/06 (updated 04/13/09)
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