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.
$542Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Whiting & Davis Gold-Tone Mesh Triangle Scarf Necklace, 1970s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a signed Whiting & Davis Chainmail Scarf Necklace. It is a 70s disco fever 18 x 9 x 9 inch gold-tone mesh triangle scarf necklace with black trim. It has a hook clasp wi...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
WHITING & DAVIS signed vintage silver tone designer key chain
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING & DAVIS • silver tone • vintage designer key chain MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku A63 ...
1960's Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Scarf Necklace
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Known for inventing metal mesh at the turn of the last century, this Whiting & Davis goldtone mesh scarf necklace from the 1960's is stylish, chic ...
Gold Plate
Vintage 1970's Gold Mesh Whiting & Davis Cowl Mesh Necklace Nib Necklace Mesh
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Nashville, TN
This breathtaking 1970's Whiting & Davis necklace with a central statement gold mesh cowl neck is the perfect stand out jewellery piece for your collection. Measurement of necklace...
Mixed Metal
1970s Whiting & Davis Gold Chainmail Metal Fringed Vintage 70s Bib Necklace
By Whiting & Davis
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare WHITING AND DAVOIS late 70s gold fringe metallic chain mail Egyptian style disco bib necklace ! This gem just screams STUDIO 54 ! Adjustable clasp can be worn at different leng...
$1,040Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Whiting & Davis Hematite Clamper Cuffs, Necklace & Earrings Set, Signed
By Whiting & Davis
Located in McKinney, TX
- Parure includes two hinged clamper cuff bracelets, pendant necklace and clip on earrings - Silver tone - Faux hematite - Clamper bracelets measures 2.5" across, 2.75" tall and open...
$203Sale Price|30% Off
H 0.87 in W 0.48 in L 20.08 in
Carved Pink Shell Cameo Pendant Necklace, 10 Karat Gold, 1940s
Located in Milford, DE
A carved open back shell cameo in an oval filigree setting, hanging on a complimentary fine chain necklace. Pendant is 10K gold, circa late 1800s, Victorian. Complimentary chain is 1...
14k Gold
Memento All Diamond Flower Charm Pendant
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
A collection symbolizing a special life moment or a new chapter in our life, the Memento collection is a luxurious and modern representation of classical motifs. This collection feat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
22 Karat Gold Garnet Pendant
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22 Karat Yellow Gold Garnet Pendant by ROMAE Jewelry Based on an Ancient Design. Our distinctive "Pontus" pendant features a shape that is strikingly modern in design, and is based o...
Agate, Chalcedony, Onyx, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Letter M Diamond Initial Pearl Necklace, Natural Diamonds 18K, 17inch chain
By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery
Located in Nicosia, CY
Honor the love you have for yourself or a special someone with our Diamond Initial Petal Necklace. The initial is casted from 18Karat Yellow Gold and set with natural glimmering diamonds on a freshwater petal shaped pearl. Each petal pearl...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$5,525 / item
H 0.5 in W 0.38 in D 0.14 in
Alex Sepkus "Cross" Pendant Necklace with Tsavorite Garnet and Diamonds in Gold
By Alex Sepkus
Located in SOLVANG, CA
From the studio of Alex Sepkus in New York - 18 karat yellow gold "Cross" pendant necklace with one vivid green tsavorite garnet and five brilliant white diamonds. Hand-hammered 18 k...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Necklace with Leaf Pave Diamond Pendant by Pasquale Bruni
By Pasquale Bruni
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Pasquale Bruni Giardini Segreti 18 karat White Gold Diamond Pendant. The sensual floral design of Giardini Segreti collection from Pasquale Bruni rec...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 27.00 Grams Figaro Chain Link Necklace in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A vintage chain necklace of 27.00 grams, featuring an alternating design of two long oval curb links and two short curb links to create the Figaro design. Finished with a lobster cla...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Angela Cummings Bold 18k Gold Diamond Braided Collar Necklace
By Angela Cummings
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A bold, dramatic and fanciful 18k gold vintage collar necklace signed by noted designer Angela Cummings. Intriguing graduated concentric circles of twisted gold tipped with sparkling...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Necklace in 18K Gold with Graduated Large White Pear
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This magnificent necklace features a stunning strand of rare, large South Sea pearls, renowned for their luminous glow and exceptional surface quality. Expertly matched and beautiful...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Pomellato Fantina 18K White Gold Diamond Necklace, 60cm
By Pomellato
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
With its minimalist and sophisticated design, this 18K gold necklace makes for the perfect everyday accessory. The Fantina necklace with diamonds, by Pomellato...
Diamond, White Gold
10.14carat Royal Blue Sapphire Diamond Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Add a majestic touch to your ensemble with this stunning 10.14carat royal blue sapphire diamond statement necklace! This eye-catching necklace will turn heads with its dazzling poppi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Gold Necklace with Tassels and Diamonds Clasp
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Gold Necklace with Tassels and Diamonds Clasp Fashionable yellow gold necklace with 15 gold tassels that adjust to wanted length. Made in ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Whiting & Davis Multi-Color Metal Mesh Scarf Necklace
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a multi-color metal chainmail scarf necklace. It featuring a unique design that incorporates black, gold silver and copper tones. This 18 inch width scarf necklace has a hook...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Scarf Necklace
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a signed Whiting & Davis Chainmail Scarf Necklace. It is a 70s disco fever 18 x 9 x 9 inch gold-tone mesh triangle scarf necklace with black trim. It has a hook clasp with 2...
Gold Plate, Brass
1960s Whiting and Davis Silver Metal Mesh Snake Coil Necklace
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Fabulous 1960s Whiting and Davis snake necklace. Quilted silver tone snake head and tail on either ends. Silver tone metal mesh resembles a sna...
Whiting & Davis 1960s Snake Choker and Earings
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous adjustable gold metal serpent snake choker and screw back serpant head earing set from Whiting & Davis.
Gold Chain Mesh Pouch Necklace by Whiting & Davis, 1960s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 34" length - Pouch measures 3.5" x 2" - Gold tone and gold plated - Kiss lock clasp - By Whiting & Davis - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Good vintage cond...
Vintage Gold Mesh Pouch Necklace by Whiting & Davis, 1960s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 34" in length - Pouch pendant measures 3" tall - Gold plated - Kissing clasp closure - By Whiting & Davis (unsigned) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired ...
Whiting & Davis Co. 1970s Mesh Handkerchief Disco Necklace
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Perfect for twirling the night away at the disco. Whiting & Davis gold mesh handkerchief necklaces was often seen adorning the necks of celebrities at Stu...
Gold Plate
Whiting & Davis Silver Serpent Belt or Necklace, circa 1960, Signed
By Whiting & Davis
Located in McKinney, TX
This stunning 1960s Whiting & Davis Serpent Belt or Necklace in their distinctive metal mesh is an extremely collectible piece of design history, and is a...
Silver Plate
Whiting & Davis 1970s Gold Metal Mesh Bib Scarf Necklace
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your holiday looks in our incredible 1970s Whiting & Davis scarf necklace! Made of super fine draped gold metal mesh, gathers elegantly around the neck. Hook and eye clasp fo...
Gold Plate
WHITING and DAVIS Plastron in Gilt Mesh
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Paris, FR
Superb Whiting and Davis plastron in golden mesh made with great finesse and precision, it dresses all outfits. Wearing a white t-shirt, it gives a v...
Gilt Metal
Whiting and Davis Mesh Necklace
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Striking and unusual tie form Whiting and Davis Metal Mesh Necklace from the 1980's. Chrome plated mesh ties are anchored by a leaf form station in f...
Silver Plate, Base Metal
1970s Whiting & Davis Gold Bib Scarf Necklace
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your holiday looks in our incredible 1970s Whiting & Davis scarf necklace! Made of super fine draped gold metal mesh, gathers elegantly around the neck. Hook and eye clas...