Antique Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse Bag
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
New, in its original box with tags, Antique Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse / Bag. Includes original care instructions from the maker.
Other
Whiting & Davis silver mesh clutch with matching change purse
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
The evening clutch comes with a matching silver mesh change purse. Both items have the signature "Whiting & Davis" markings.
Whiting & Davis Figural Face Flower Frame Mesh Chainmail Gold Purse Evening Bag
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rare vintage Whiting & Davis Co. gold mesh chainmail purse with frame that features a centralized face among leaves and flowers.
Whiting & Davis Silver Mesh Evening Bag with Chain Handle
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Vintage Whiting & Davis evening bag crafted in silver-tone metal mesh with structured frame. Features matching chain handle and kiss-lock clasp closure. Classic trapezoid silhou...
Whiting & Davis Black Mesh Evening Bag with Orange Bakelite Handle
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Vintage Whiting & Davis evening bag with black metal mesh body, structured tortoiseshell-tone frame and orange Bakelite top handle. Gold-tone kiss-lock clasp closure. Classic tr...
Whiting & Davis Ivory Enamel Mesh Handbag w Bakelite Chain and Frame, 1940s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Tucson, AZ
fabric: enamel plated aluminum, Bakelite, grosgrain noteworthy: gently clean with damp cloth repairs: none condition: very good with light discoloration to touch points on frame a...
Vintage Whiting & Davis Black Metal Mesh Wallet (c. 1950s–1960s)
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Honolulu, HI
A quintessential mid-century vintage wallet by the legendary Whiting & Davis, the premier name in metal mesh accessories. This elegant wallet features the brand’s signature fine blac...
Whiting & Davis Black Floral Print Metal Mesh Shoulder Bag W/ Black Leather Trim
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Gresham, OR
Whiting & Davis metal mesh shoulder bag in a stylized floral pattern in black, red, blue, green and yellow with black leather trim. A wonderful example of the evolution of a signific...
WHITING & DAVIS CO. 1920 Art-Deco Cocktail Mesh Purse In 14Kt Gold & Sterling
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Miami, FL
An oversized mesh purse designed by Whiting & Davis Co. This is an amazing purse mesh bag created in America during the art-deco period, back in 1920 and 1925.
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
$472Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Whiting & Davis White Armor Mesh Drawstring Bucket Bag (c. 1950s–1960s)
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Honolulu, HI
This immaculate, museum-grade mid-century artifact is an exquisite example of Whiting & Davis’s iconic craftsmanship. Sourced in near-pristine mint condition, this vintage drawst...
$952Sale Price|20% Off
1920s Whiting & Davis "Princess Mary" Double-Slider Mesh Dance Purse
Located in Honolulu, HI
A rare and exceptional masterwork of 1920s Art Deco luxury, this authentic Whiting & Davis "Princess Mary" double-slider dance purse represents the pinnacle of American metal-mes...
Enamel Metal Mesh Shoulder Bag
By Whiting Davis
Located in New York, NY
Enamel Metal Mesh Shoulder Bag made probably by Whiting Davis in the 1970's. Enamel in Deco style motifs in red, olive, white and black throughout. Drawstring chain with black lining...
c. 1950s–1960s Vintage Whiting & Davis Jet-Black Armor Mesh Shoulder Bag
Located in Honolulu, HI
A stunning, near-flawless mid-century masterwork from Whiting & Davis, the definitive American pioneer of luxury metal mesh. This evening bag captures the sophisticated glitz of ...
Antique Whiting & Davis Art Deco Mesh Evening Bag Circa. 1920s-1929
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Galveston, TX
An ornate, rare piece of history is this Whiting & Davis mesh purse, Circa. The 1920s-1929.
Whiting and Davis Metal Mesh Purse
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Topanga, CA
Whiting & Davis: The Whiting & Davis Company is best known for making mesh chains and mesh purses, but they also introduced a popular and successful jewelry line.
Circa 1920s Whiting & Davis Dresden Mesh Purse
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Long Beach, CA
Circa 1920s to 1930s Whiting & Davis delicate gold tone metal mesh purse embellished with a bright floral motif, hanging from a bright gold tone metal frame.
1920s Whiting and Davis Floral Enamel Mesh Purse
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Houston, TX
Delicate and dainty 1920s Whiting and Davis evening purse! This gorgeous enamel mesh purse features a pressed floral clasp painted in alternating springtime pink and white.
Whiting & Davis Deco Hand-Tinted Dresden Mesh Evening Purse 1920s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Burbank, CA
Offered here is a Whiting & Davis hand-tinted Dresden mesh purse from the 1920s.
Whiting & Davis Gold Metal Mesh Cross Body Evening Bag Purse
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous vintage Whiting & Davis gold metal mesh cross body evening bag with rayon satin lining and gold tone chain strap.. The zip closure along top edge of bag measures 8.5 inches....
Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Clutch
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Topanga, CA
Whiting and Davis gold domed mesh fold over frame clutch with peach colored grosgrain lining.
Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Purse with Mother of Pearl and Key Holder
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Delicate and Elegant! Beautiful Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Purse w. Mother of Pearl Accent and Matching Key Holder.
1960's Whiting & Davis White Enameled Mesh Handbag
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Oradell, NJ
This is a handsome 1960's vintage, white enameled metal mesh bag by Whiting & Davis with a silver-toned frame, kiss clasp closure, and a thin gas pipe snake chain. It measures 7" in ...
Whiting and Davis Enameled Gold Mesh Clutch
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Topanga, CA
Unused gold metal mesh with black glossy domed enameled coating. Black satin lining and exterior piping. Kept in pristine condition, this clutch is the perfect evening addition to a...
Whiting and Davis Metal Mesh Bag with Lime Flowers
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
A sweet and slightly psychedelic Whiting and Davis metal mesh bag in sliver with lime colored flowers. Signed Whiting and Davis on the interior metal frame.
1920s Whiting and Davis Colorful Mesh Bag
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Litchfield County, CT
Wonderful 1920s enamel and mesh whiting and davis bag. Some wear to a few mesh pieces in the design, but the overall enamel is well intact and crisp. Little wear to bag frame. 6.5&qu...
Whiting & Davis Deco Colorful Mesh Evening Bag
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York City, NY
Whiting & Davis colorful art deco mesh evening bag. Clasp works well, links line up and lay flat. No discernible corroded or missing links. The silk lining has two spots which don'...
1950's Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Handbag-Rhinestone Clasp
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Oradell, NJ
This is a 1950's vintage, gold metal mesh evening bag with a clasp comprised of one large marquis-shaped rhinestone surrounded by tiny clear rhinestones in a gold toned mounting. Whi...
1960s Whiting and Davis Metal Mesh Bag with Lime Flowers
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
A 1960s flower power metal mesh bag from Whiting and Davis. Lime green flowers on painted on the bag.
RARE vintage
Store hours Monday to Friday: 11:30 to 6PM...
Whiting and Davis Purse
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Toronto, ON
Whiting and Davis mesh purse with painted Deco pattern.
1950's Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Handbag for Evening
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Oradell, NJ
This is a wonderful 1950's vintage, Whiting & Davis gold mesh evening bag whose frame is embellished with a row of clear baguette rhinestones. The bag is stamped Whiting & Davis in t...
1920s Whiting and Davis Metallic Green Mesh Bag
By Whiting & Davis, Charles Whiting
Located in Houston, TX
This quintessential accessory of the 1920s by Whiting and Davis still holds up today! Withstanding 100 years, it features a decorative exterior with multicolored flat mesh, a kiss ...
1930'S Whiting & Davis Gold Metal Mesh Wristlet Evening Bag
By Whiting & Davis
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1930'S Whiting & Davis Coveted Gold Metal Mesh "Wristlet" Evening Bag. Features a gold brass smooth frame with a 3.5" adjustable "Wristlet" style strap and ball & snap closure. Fully...
Edwardian Whiting and Davis Dresden Multi-Color Mesh Bag
By Whiting & Davis, Charles Whiting
Located in Houston, TX
Highly collectible Whiting and Davis mesh purse. This hand bag features painted mesh with an Edwardian/Art Deco frame and a yellow silk satin lining with inside pocket and round gold...
Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Purse
Located in Topanga, CA
Whiting and Davis shiny gold mesh purse with fold over flap closure and shiny gold chain strap that can be worn long or doubled for a shorter look.
Leo Narducci for Whiting and Davis Metal Mesh Bag
By Whiting & Davis, Leo Narducci
Located in Topanga, CA
Very rare, 1960's, Leo Narducci for Whiting and Davis stainless steel metal mesh purse with extra long strap.
1930s Whiting and Davis Art Deco Dresden Multi-Color Mesh Bag
By Whiting & Davis, Charles Whiting
Located in Houston, TX
Highly collectible Whiting and Davis mesh hand bag. This particular bag features wonderfully designed and painted mesh with an Art Deco frame and a mustard colored silk lining. The A...
1920s Whiting and Davis Blue Enamel Art Deco Clasp Mesh Bag
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant 1920s Whiting and Davis evening purse! This gorgeous mesh purse features a pressed art deco geometric triangular clasp featuring accents of bright blue enamel.
Whiting and Davis Shiny Silver Metal Mesh Handbag
Located in Topanga, CA
Shiny domed metal disk mesh with long silver chain strap. Fully lined in silky black lining. Singular interior pocket. Adjustable strap to take this bag from day to night.
Category1970s American Handbags and Purses
Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Frame Bag
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gold evening bag in mesh. Fully lined. One inner zip pocket. Rhinestone embellished clasp. Includes original tag. Gold tone chain shoulder strap. Gold tone metal at top where the bag...
1920's Dresden Enamel Baby-Fine Mesh Handbag on Gilded Frame
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Oradell, NJ
Offered for sale is this stunning, Dresden, baby-fine mesh metal bag, enameled in soft muted colors, almost resembling a miniature woven tapestry, with an ornate gilded frame by Whit...
1920's Antique Vintage Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse Flapper Bag
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Sparks, NV
This is a fabulous and very beautiful Whiting & Davis mesh purse. It was designed to carry a ladies necessities for a night out on the town.
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.
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.