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
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...
16.40 Pink Opal Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14-karat gold, this pendant necklace is hand set with 16.40 carats pink opal, emerald and 4.40 carats of sparkling diamonds on the 29" chain.. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storef...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Art Deco 9 Carat Rose Gold Albert or Necklace Chain with T-Bar and Fob
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This delightful 9ct rose gold chain has simple links and two dog clips to fasten. It could be used as an albert, necklace or wrapped around your wrist to make a bracelet! There is al...
Gold, Rose Gold
Yellow Gold Mariner Chain Necklace 20 1/4" 14k Italy
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Chain Style: Mariner Necklace Style: Chain Fastening Type: Spring Ring Clasp Measurements Length: 20 1/4" Width: 3/32" (2.2mm) Weight: 3.5 Grams St...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Emerald 14 Karat Gold Evil Eye Heart Charm Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The 14 karat gold enamel pendant is set with .10 carats emerald and .38 carats of shimmering diamonds. Evil Eye symbolizes to ward off negative energy and it promises to keep you saf...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Turquoise Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Renowned for its modern & fierce jewelry, "Meghna Jewels" highlights her signature pave arches in this stunning Claw Pendant. Cast in 18K Gold and sterling silver. It is hand set...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,900 / item
Figa Charm Diamond Opal Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The sterling silver pendant is set with 35.05 carats onyx, .60 carats Ethiopian opal and .75 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & ex...
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Sterling Silver
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
Diamond Cut Cable Chains in Solid 14k White, Yellow or Rose Gold 16" 18" 20"
Located in Columbus, OH
A classic chain, perfect to pair with any pendant! These are diamond cut cable cable chains with a lobster claw closure. They are available in single and adjustable sizes. Width: 0....
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Suzy Levian Sterling Silver Blue Sapphire Solitaire Necklace
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Add subtle color to the classic look! This cable chain necklace is crafted of sterling silver and features a 1.25 ct blue sapphire gemstone, secured by four prongs. Whether you are m...
Blue Sapphire, Sterling Silver
A Link Diamond Riviera Necklace
By A Link
Located in Bethesda, MD
Stunning classic graduated Diamond Riviera Necklace designed by A Link & Co. The necklace features 115 shimmering diamonds weighing 9.97 cara...
Diamond
Statement Taj Crystal Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estates, IL
A stunning statement piece with intricate details. Embellished with cubic zircon, red, black and faux amethyst crystals. Only 1 available. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view ...
Crystal, Zircon, Base Metal, Brass
$30,975 / set
Carlo Weingrill Wide Open Link Necklace
By Carlo Weingrill
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Carlo Weingrill, perhaps the world finest goldsmiths, a substantial open link necklace. Each 18 karat teardrop link is connected by a stylize...
18k 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...