Art Deco Vintage Purses | TF Auctions Intl

1920s-30s Whiting & Davis Enamel Mesh Purse with Mirror Art Deco Turquoise Drops

1920s-30s Whiting & Davis Enameled Mesh Purse with Mirror: Art Deco Stepped Frame, Pink Satin Lining and Turquoise Teardrop Fringe

$354.87

Description

An Art Deco evening purse by Whiting & Davis in enameled mesh: pink, yellow, cream, black and red on gold-tone mesh in a stylized floral pattern. The hem is cut in deep points finished with turquoise enameled teardrop drops, all present. The gold-tone frame has a stepped clasp with a square window and ribbed sides, and opens wide to a pink satin lining with a pocket holding a round mirror with a gold-tone back. Gold-tone chain handle.

Stamped inside the frame "Whiting & Davis Co. Mesh Bags Reg. U.S." (see the close-up).

Size approx. 4.25 in wide at the frame x 8 in long from the top of the clasp to the tips of the drops (10.8 x 20.3 cm); chain drop approx. 5 in (12.7 cm); mirror approx. 2.2 in (5.5 cm) across. Weight approx. 5.75 oz (163 g).

Read the full description

Historical Context

Whiting & Davis began in Plainville, Massachusetts, in 1876 as Wade, Davis & Company and became Whiting & Davis by 1896. The company bought the link-mesh machine patented by Alonzo C. Pratt (filed 1909), so mesh no longer had to be linked by hand. Enameled color arrived just in time for the 1920s, and stepped Art Deco frames like this one belong to that era.

Condition

Excellent used condition, with slight wear consistent with its age. The mesh is firmly attached to the frame all the way around, with no separation. The enamel is bright, with light scattered wear. Every turquoise drop is present; several show small spots of enamel loss, mostly at the tips. One row of bright silver-colored links near the hem looks like an old repair. Light wear to the gold finish on the frame; the clasp closes firmly and securely. The mirror's silvering has crazed into a dark crackle, common with old mirrors. Satin lining intact with light wear. Please study the images; they are part of the description.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

View on eBay

Antique French Silk Embroidered Purse Heavy Engraved Frame Laurel Wreath Chain

Antique French Silk Embroidered Purse: Heavy Engraved Silver-Tone Frame with Laurel Wreath, Push Clasp and Double Chain

$173.33

Description

Embroidered in long, loose stitches: red, slate blue, gold and cream blossoms and foliage on a black ground, highlighted with gold metallic thread, on both sides. The heavy silver-tone frame has canted corners and is engraved all around with wild roses and leaves; a laurel-wreath ring sits at the center front, and a push-button clasp with an embossed button closes it. Double chain handle of patterned links. Pink lining edged in gold braid.

Not marked. Described in our family as French and made of silk; maker and origin not confirmed.

Size approx. 5 in wide x 6 in tall (12.7 x 15.2 cm). Chain drop approx. 6 in (15.2 cm). Weight approx. 4.7 oz (133 g).

Read the full description

Condition

Good antique condition (estimate). The embroidery is bright, with some loose and worn threads; the black ground shows through in places. The frame finish is worn through to the base metal at the button and edges, and the chain has darkened with age. Lining intact with wear and old stitch marks. The clasp closes firmly and securely. Please study the images; they are part of the description.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

View on eBay

1920s-30s Whiting & Davis Enamel Mesh Purse Art Deco Chevron Frame Pointed Hem

1920s-30s Whiting & Davis Enameled Mesh Purse: Art Deco Chevron Frame, Diamond Pattern, Coral Band and Pointed Hem

$164.73

Description

Whiting & Davis enameled mesh in blue, light blue, coral, black and yellow on gold-tone mesh. One side carries a lattice of diamonds with coral crosses, the other a softer arched design; both have a coral band above a pointed sawtooth hem. The gold-tone frame is built up in stacked chevrons with a stepped clasp at the top, on a dark paperclip-link chain. Unlined, as many mesh bags were made.

Stamped inside the frame "Whiting & Davis Co. Mesh Bags Reg. U.S." (see the close-up).

Size approx. 4 in wide x 8 in long (10.2 x 20.3 cm). Chain drop approx. 5 in (12.7 cm). Weight approx. 4.9 oz (139 g).

Read the full description

Historical Context

Founded in Plainville, Massachusetts, in 1876 (as Wade, Davis & Company; Whiting & Davis by 1896), the company bought the link-mesh machine patented by Alonzo C. Pratt (filed 1909) and made mesh by machine instead of by hand. Enameled mesh in bright colors came in with the 1920s, and this chevron frame is pure Art Deco.

Condition

Good vintage condition (estimate). Wear to the gold finish on the high points of the frame. The enamel is brighter on the diamond side, with light wear overall, and a few links at the hem sit slightly out of line. Inside, at the hinge, the mesh has pulled away from the frame for a short stretch, leaving a small opening (see images). The clasp closes firmly and securely. Please study the images; they are part of the description.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

View on eBay

Early 1900s Iridescent Glass Beaded Purse Bostonia German Silver Frame Monogram

Early 1900s Iridescent Glass Beaded Purse: Scalloped Shell Shape, Bostonia German Silver Frame with Sunflowers and Engraved Monogram

$135.63

Description

Small iridescent glass seed beads crocheted on dark green thread into a scalloped shell shape that flashes green, gold and violet in the light. The gilt frame is cast with sunflowers and scrolls, closes with a kiss-lock clasp with two copper-tone knobs, and hangs from a textured gold-tone chain. An engraved three-letter script monogram sits on one side of the frame.

Stamped inside the frame "BOSTONIA" and "GER. SILVER". German silver (nickel silver) is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc with no silver content, long used for purse frames because it holds fine detail.

Size approx. 5 in tall x 3 in wide at the frame, 4 in at the base (12.7 x 7.6-10.2 cm). Chain drop approx. 1.75 in (4.4 cm). Weight approx. 3.5 oz (100 g).

Read the full description

Historical Context

The BOSTONIA mark is found on American purse frames of the early 1900s; one documented example is dated December 15, 1903.

Condition

Good antique condition (estimate). The beads keep their full iridescence. A few beads are missing where the crochet meets the frame, with some loose threads there and one old thread repair. Gilt frame with light wear; the monogram is crisp. The clasp closes firmly and securely. Please study the images; they are part of the description.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

View on eBay