ANTIQUE WHITING DAVIS Enameled Mesh & Frame Purse with Chain, Gold, Light Blue-Gray, Silver, Kiss Clasp, Art Deco, Signed Bag (M191) hotsell

Gorgeous and very collectible genuine circa 1920s ANTIQUE WHITING & DAVIS purse. With a base of silver-tone metal, this beautiful art deco design is enameled in gold and light blue-gray. Part of the mesh is left in the shiny silver-tone base so there are really 3-colors to the marvelous geo pattern - gold, silver, and light blue-gray. This piece is signed "Whiting & Davis Co. Mesh Bags" on the inside of the frame. It has a chain handle and a ball kiss clasp. I don't know if this is the original chain but either way it matches the bag beautifully. The purse has no lining. Comes with the holiday box (pictured) that it was originally gifted in!

The enamel and metal on the mesh and frame is in great antique condition with hardly a trace of wear. Please note these bags were usually worn in the (darker) evening and this is where the design colors really show. The clasp has an excellent snap and hold. The only notable sign of age is some unconnected links where the mesh meets the frame joints on the sides, as pictured. This is fairly common with antique mesh bags. I have not tried to fix it in order to keep it in "As found uncleaned" condition, with the collector in mind. There is also one link not connected to the frame near the W&D hallmark. Otherwise, there are no holes or missing links.

Approximate Measurements:
* Total hanging length, top of chain handle to bottom of purse - 12"
* Length, top of chain handle to top of frame - 5 3/8"
* Length, top of frame (not clasp) to bottom of hanging purse - 6 5/8"
* Width, across bottom of purse - 5 5/8"
* Width, across edge-to-edge of frame - 5"

This is an incredible antique accessory to display, gift, collect and/or use!

WHITING & DAVIS CO: Whiting & Davis Co. began in Plainville, MA in 1876 as a silversmith manufacturing company and formed the name Wade Davis & Company in 1886. They have been in business for over 100 years and are truly fashion pioneers. Charles Whiting came on board in 1880 and wove the first Whiting & Davis handbag by hand in 1892 with all rings formed and joined by hand, working the ancient art of chainmail into an exquisite fabric. By 1896, Whiting partnered with Edward Davis, and the name Whiting & Davis was born. In 1912 the mesh ring hotsell joining process became automated. In the 1970s Whiting & Davis made fine knitted mesh lines of jewelry for Tiffany & Co. It is said that their non-mesh fashion jewelry ceased production in 1980, and metal mesh jewelry was no longer made by Whiting & Davis after 1991. In 2011 to honor their 135th anniversary, Whiting & Davis began their own line of karat gold and sterling silver metal mesh jewelry. Whiting & Davis accessories are extraordinary works of fashion art in metal mesh with unrivaled quality.

Arrives safely packed. Free shipping for additional items in the same order. Tracking always provided and additional insurance where needed.

Thanks for looking and feel free to check out the other vintage beauties in my shop - www.etsy.com/shop/IDreamofBrooches .

Note: Best effort is made to show the piece through multiple images and questions are always welcome, including requests for additional photos. Please keep in mind that some materials are harder to capture on camera than others, and also that everyone's viewing screens show color a little differently. Please remember that vintage items will have age and use-appropriate wear which is part of their personality and story. Each item is carefully and passionately researched but we do not claim to be any type of certified expert.

Have a wonderful day!