Lisa Butter has been a passionate collector of purses since she was a teen. When the young widow and her sons, ages 9 and 11, moved to Honolulu a year ago after her husband died from pancreatic cancer, she brought hundreds of her purses with her. Now she's willing to part with them at the Hawaii All-Collectors Show, continuing today at the Blaisdell Center.

Her oldest purses are from the early 19th century, and Butter also has some from the stylish decades of the '20s, '30s and '40s. Her collection mainly consists of American and French beaded and mesh purses. Her personal favorite is a Civil War beaded bag.

Why purses? "They're cheerful and colorful, and they make people happy," Butter said.

In addition to the purses, Butter has a collection of Victorian jewelry and watches, both pocket and wrist styles.

Her purse prices range from $25 to $1,500.