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...
Long High Tech Banded Agate Sterling Silver Link Necklace Estate Find
By Anna K for Coach House
Located in Montreal, QC
Fabulous Long and Bold sterling silver and banded agate chain necklace; comprising multi-shaped sections of sterling silver links, alternating with large banded agate beads. The lar...
Agate, Sterling Silver
Goossens_Paris Cocktail Boucle Bracelet in Orchid
By Goossens Paris
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
New at the House of Goossens. Bracelet from the Boucle Cocktail Collection, revealing a jewel in relief punctuated with rock crystal beads on a patinated enamel. Yellow gold finish. ...
Art Deco Bakelite Carved Rose Clamper Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Bakelite Carved Rose Clamper Bracelet from the 1920's. Hand carved Black bakelite with 2 flower motifs on top with carved leaves on the shoulders. Hinge on back allows entry...
Vintage French Couture Crystal Droplet Necklace (Attr. RJP) 1950s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A vintage couture Crystal Droplet Necklace from the 1950s, attributed to the parurier Roger Jean-Pierre. The most divine crystals, many fancy cut in navette, ovals and chatons embell...
$475Sale Price|29% Off
Ciner Opulent Black Enamel Glass Jeweled Hinged Elephant Bracelet c 1970s
By Ciner
Located in University City, MO
CINER gilt metal black enamel glass jeweled hinged elephant bracelet c 1970s The opulent bracelet is designed with an exotic elephant adorned with a ruby color glass cabochon mounted...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Hermes New Clic H Rose Flamingo Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermes Clic Clac H, narrow bracelet, in rose flamingo enamel with gold-plated hardware. Size PM, new in unworn condition, comes with velvet pouch.
Gold Plate
Hermes New Thin Gray Clic H Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermes Clic clac H, narrow bracelet, in enamel gray macadamia with gold-plated hardware. Size PM, new in unworn condition, comes with velvet pouch.
Gold Plate
$1,850
H 12 in W 1.75 in D 0.5 in L 12 in
1980's Givenchy Brass Chain Link Necklace With Turquoise Glass Medallion
By Givenchy
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage substantial and heavy brass and glass gold link french signed " Paris New York Givenchy" necklace has beautiful cut faceted glass and unusual links. The turquoise glass ...
Turquoise, Brass
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
NAPIER signed vintage gold tone designer chain necklace
By Napier
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed NAPIER • gold tone • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 60 ❤️❤️ VINTAGE...
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful 9ct gold necklace has fancy chain links and links that represent infinity. Length: 63cm Chain Width: 4mm Weight: 6.8g
Gold
Sparkling Hummingbird 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A true eye-catching delicate sparkling pendant; this playfull hummingbird is surrounded by sparkling cut diamonds that catch the light in dazzling ways, this is a minimalistic and ti...
Diamond, 14k 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...