Art Deco 1920's Mesh Bag. Whiting and Davis.
View Similar Items
Art Deco 1920's Mesh Bag. Whiting and Davis.
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)Length: 11 in (27.94 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:University City, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7361535083
Whiting & Davis
You might not expect chain-mesh bags to predate sliced bread by three decades, but it’s true. The very first mesh purse was created by Charles Whiting (1864–1940) in 1892 while working for the jewelry manufacturer Wade Davis & Company in Plainville, Massachusetts. Whiting joined the company at the age of 16, and by 1896 he formed a partnership to purchase it, renaming it the Whiting & Davis Company.
While the original Whiting & Davis mesh purse was made entirely by hand — artisans hammered out the links and wove them together — the company developed a machine to automate fabrication in 1912. With the ability to produce more rapidly and prolifically, Whiting & Davis became a veritable mesh empire, creating handbags and purses in all shapes, styles and colors, including ones made from precious metals, painted with Art Deco designs and silk-screened with Impressionistic images. The purses became status icons for the stylish elite, particularly with the flappers of the 1920s.
Over the years, Whiting & Davis struck up partnerships with some of the most talented designers of the time, including Paul Poiret, Elsa Schiaparelli and Elsa Peretti, who used their mesh in elegant pieces for Tiffany & Co., propelling their popularity even further. After a brief hiatus during World War II, when Whiting & Davis produced radar equipment rather than handbags, the brand continued to develop an ever-expanding line of products that included clothing.
In the 1970s, Whiting & Davis accessories and clothing were the rage of the disco scene. By the early 2000s, everyone from Paris Hilton to Lady Gaga donned the brand’s mesh handbags.
Recent innovations to their offerings include color mesh and fine mesh, with the brand refocusing on fashion jewelry with the launch of a new collection in 2013 featuring a revamped vintage snake-bracelet design. The company has been based in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, since 1995, also supplying its renowned chain mesh for industrial uses like work gloves and protective applications such as shark suits for divers.
Find vintage Whiting & Davis mesh handbags, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- Judith Leiber Crystal Jeweled Frog Minaudière c 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOJudith Leiber Endearing crystal jeweled minaudiere' evening bag c 1980s The beguiling frog is encrusted with elaborate tiny glittering diamante crystals. Adorned with green glass cabochon eyes; accented with gilt metal grooved eye brows The frog's back is embellished with clusters of amethyst; jade green & jet black small glass color cabochons scattered throughout the rows of contiguous brilliant diamante crystals The endearing frog's posture creates the appearance of being on the verge of leaping away... The legs, brows & sides are sheathed in shiny polished gilt metal. The clasp mechanism is distinguished with a green glass opaque cabochon The versatile design transitions from an opulent clutch; converts into an elegant shoulder bag suspended from a sinuous gilt metal chain strap Makes an exquisite accessory for holidays, weddings or any special formal occasions. The charming design merges elegance & whimsy brilliantly The interior is lined in gold metallic foil inscribed on a gilt metal plaque: Judith Leiber. Paired with a gilt metal vanity comb engraved Judith Leiber Measurements The length from the frog's nose to the back edge measures 4.5 inches. The width across the base of the center section measures 3 inches approximately The drop length from top of the chain strap to the base of the frog's extended back leg measures 23.25 inches The jeweled evening bag rest...Category
1980s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
$2,200 Sale Price21% Off - 1940s Art Deco Ebony Iridescent Glass Beaded Evening PurseLocated in University City, MO1940s Exquisite ebony art deco glass carnival beaded evening purse The elegant oval-shaped evening bag is encrusted with elaborate black iridisc...Category
1940s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Opulent Mother of Pearl Crystal Encrusted Compact Evening Bag by Elgin c 1950sBy ElginLocated in University City, MOOpulent mother of pearl crystal encrusted evening bag- compact case designed by Eligin c 1950s The elegant evening purse - cosmetic case is designed with exotic mother of pearl tiles throughout the exterior The lid cover is encrusted with collection of aquamarine glittering crystals accented with a floral motif in the center. The interior is designed with a pair of rouge & face powder compartments. The gilt metal lid covers are adorned with art deco style leaping gazelles Paired with a brown cloth carrying case suspended from a hand strap The elegant case may be carried as a chic clutch style purse separately without the carrying case Designed by Eligin American Measurements: The length of the mother of pearl case...Category
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
$375 Sale Price21% Off - Harry Rosenfeld Opulent Gilt Metal Lion Evening Bag Made in Italy c 1970By Harry Rosenfeld Made in Italy, Harry RosenfeldLocated in University City, MOHARRY ROSENFELD Opulent gilt metal lion evening bag Made in Italy The lavish gold metal cylinder evening bag is adorned with a pair of ornate lion emblems on each exterior side The stylized lions are designed with intricate silver metal faces with sinuous gilt metal manes...Category
1970s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Saks Fifth Avenue Italian Python Handbag Circa 1980By Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in University City, MOSaks Fifth Avenue Sleek Italian python handbag c 1980s The versatile handbag transitions from a chic clutch Converts to a stylish shoulder bag carried with the gilt metal shoulder st...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Clutches
$375 Sale Price21% Off - Exquisite Italian Gilt Metal Evening Bag Designed by Harry RosenfeldBy Harry RosenfeldLocated in University City, MOExquisite gilt metal evening bag designed by Harry Rosenfeld c 1970 The lavish evening bag is embellished with an Art Nouveau style nymph lounging in a lush garden paradise The opulent evening bag is designed with a pewter tone metal recessed plate illustrated with a three dimensional scene The rectangular evening bag is constructed with textured gilt metal that has a satin finish The versatile design transitions from a chic clutch bag by placing the braided gilt metal chain strap in the interior Converts to a stunning shoulder bag carried with the braided chain shoulder strap The interior of the opulent evening bag is lined in plush golden yellow velvet. Labeled H. Rosenfeld Made in Italy The extremely rare evening bag...Category
1970s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel 2001 White Logo Vintage Mountaineer Helmet Limited Edition Novelty HatBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2001 White Logo Vintage Mountaineer Helmet Limited Edition Novelty Hat Limited Edition from 2001 Sport Line Collection. White, red and bla...Category
1990s Italian Caps
- Chanel 2014 Collector's Runway Supermarket Grocery Basket Chain Tote MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel classic silver interwoven chain in the form of a large sized grocery shopping basket Spring 2014 Silver hardware Classic interwoven chain CC Silver Charm Can be used for high fashion or interior decor 8.5" H x 15" W x 11" D Made in France This special bag is a collector's piece. Designed as a supermarket basket...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Jimmy Choo Metallic Gold Leather Zip HoboBy Jimmy ChooLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This beautifully stitched leather hobo is by Jimmy Choo. With a capacious fabric-lined interior, a comfortable handle, and a fine finish, this hobo is bound to offer style and practi...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Michael Kors Grey/Multicolor Exotic Embossed Patent Leather Medium Carmen Flap SBy Michael KorsLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This satchel is built to hold your essentials in the most fashionable way! Easy to style, well-made using best materials, and coming from the top brand, the satchel will add immense ...Category
2010s Indonesian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Jimmy Choo Metallic Iridescent Leather HoboBy Jimmy ChooLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Stylish handbags never fail to make a fashionable impression. Make this designer hobo yours by pairing it with your sophisticated workwear as well as chic casual looks.Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Versace Ice Blue Signature Nylon and Leather HoboBy VersaceLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Stylish handbags never fail to make a fashionable impression. Make this designer hobo yours by pairing it with your sophisticated workwear as well as chic casual looks.Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières