Vintage Silver Colored Steel? Mesh Purse with Chromed Frame Chain Handle
Description: This is a beautiful vintage metal, most likely steel, mesh purse. All parts of the purse stick to a magnet indicating it ferrous in nature. The fact that there is no rust and it has a silvery color suggests steel. The frame, however, shows some peeling and bubbling on the surface suggesting the frame is chromed and is losing some of the chrome finish. The purse exterior mesh structure is a beautiful and silvery in color with nice shiny cones hanging on the bottom. As mentioned above the purse has a two-part silver colored ferrous cast frame that is not decorated. The two sides of the frame have a locking mechanism (clasp) consisting of a pair of interlocking balls at the end of a short metal stem. The purse has a nice chain handle secured to the frame through metal trilobed loops attached to the top of the frame. The inside is not lined and shows the mesh. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Unknown, but most likely early 1900s and possibly from the 1920s or earlier.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: The purse measures ~4 3/4" by ~4 1/4" and weighs about 6 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Very beautiful and old quality purse in very good condition, which would make a great addition to any collection.
Condition: The purse is in very good condition. The clasp works well and the mesh is all there with no breaks or repair. The purse is clean with no rust signs. The frame, however, shows some spots of peeling and bubbling on the surface suggesting the frame is chromed and is losing some of the chrome finish. Be that as it may, the piece is beautiful and was obviously well cared for. This is a great looking vintage purse worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.