Whiting Davis Antique Mesh Purse, Colorful Yellow Enamel with Floral Decoration, Circa 1920s
Description: This is a beautiful and old, circa 1920's, metal mesh purse by Whiting & Davis Co. The purse exterior mesh structure is enameled in a beautiful and vivid yellow colored background. There is an orange and light blue floral design floral design also enameled in the center. The floral design is framed in a black, orange and light blue design. The purse has a fringe on the bottom that is also colored with the same pattern. The purse has a metal cast frame with a simple but elegant raised design on both sides. The two sides of the frame have a clocking mechanism (clasp) consisting of a reticulated shape (I would call it a peacock tail) with a round central opening on one side and a twisted metal lock with a ball at its end on the other side. The ball is inserted into the central round opening of the peacock tail by bringing the two halves of the frame together and thus locking the purse. The purse has a chain handle secured to the frame through metal loops one on each half of the frame. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Early 20th Century, probably 1920s.
Origin: USA
Size: The purse measures ~7 7/8" long from the top of the clasp to the bottom of the fringe and is ~5" at its widest point in the bottom. The entire piece is ~12 1/2" long with the chain handle fully extended. The piece weighs almost 5 ounces.
Maker: Whiting and Davis Co.
Marks: Has the Whiting Davis mark on the inside of the frame consisting of what I would characterize as a bow tie with the words "Mesh; Whiting & Davis Co.; Bags" which we try to show in the last photo.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Very beautiful and old quality purse in relatively very good condition , which would make a great addition to any collection.
Condition: The purse is in good condition given its age. It is not perfect. The enameling is intact with vivid colors and minimum losses, it is just gorgeous. In general, mesh is well connected to the frame; however there is a few spots where a loop is not connected to the mesh (see last photo under the mark for an example). In addition the mesh is not well connected at the hinges of the frames (see seventh and eighth photo) thus leaving a small gap at each hinge. It is not lined and the chain handle has a small defect near the frame (see first, second and sixth photo to the left) but is intact . The frame is in great shape, feels heavy and closes well. Because of the fact that the purse is not perfect, we are selling it "AS IS" and at a fraction of its true value. This is a great true antique worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
