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.
WHITING & DAVIS signed vintage gold tone cameo glass designer clip earrings
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING & DAVIS • gold plated with glass • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ...
$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 ...
Whiting & Davis Art Deco Gold Plate Pearl Drop Earrings, 1980s USA
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a pair of Whiting & Davis pearl and mesh drop earrings. These Art Deco style gold-tone clip back earrings have large simulated pearls decorated with clear pavé rhinestones an...
Pearl, Gold Plate, Base Metal
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. Popular in the 1920s & ear...
Other
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
Whiting Davis Silver Snake Clamper
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Classic Whiting Davis Silver Snake Expansion Clamper from the 1980's. Signature mesh made into a "rope" body with head and tail hilts. Signe...
Silver Plate
Vintage WHITING DAVIS signed silver tone designer clip on earrings
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING DAVIS • silver tone with rhinestones • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear...
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...
WHITING DAVIS signed silver tone vintage black glass designer clip on earrings
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING DAVIS • silver tone with glass • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku...
1930s Whiting & Davis Metal Mesh NOS Deadstock Gold-Tone Gauntlet Bracelet Set
By Whiting & Davis
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Introducing a rare vintage find, a set of two vintage 1930s Whiting and Davis metal mesh gauntlet bracelets! This beautiful set features Whiting & Davis' expertly crafted gold-tone "...
Base Metal
WHITING & DAVIS signed gold glass designer clip on earrings brooch set
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING & DAVIS • gold plated with glass • vintage designer earrings brooch set MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal si...
WHITING & DAVIS signed silver carved cameo glass designer clip on earrings
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING & DAVIS • silver tone with glass • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wea...
WHITING DAVIS signed vintage silver tone glass cameo designer bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING DAVIS • silver tone with glass • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sk...
Unusual Whiting Davis Victorian Hands Clamper
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Whiting Davis Gilt Victorian Hand Expansion Clamper from the 1980's. Signature gilt mesh made into a "rope" body with hands with ornate cuff end ...
Gilt Metal
WHITING & DAVIS signed vintage Egyptian pharaoh glass designer clip on earrings
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING & DAVIS • gold tone with glass • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sk...
$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...
Antique Sterling Silver Mesh Bag With Deer Design
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Weight: 236.4 grams Material: Sterling Silver Marked 925 Dimension: 6 inches x 7 inches Handle length: 12.5 inches
Sterling Silver
$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
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
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Silver Purse Card Case Birmingham 1910, Adie
Located in Toronto, ON
Antique Silver Card Case in form of purse, Birmingham 1910, Adie & Lovekin Ltd. The case of hinge and thumb piece design, richly engraved scro...
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
0.20cts Diamonds Baroque pearl earrings and Detachable Baroque Pearls, 18K Gold
By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery
Located in Nicosia, CY
Our ‘Diamond Disk Earrings’ by Michelle Massoura feature a pair of glimmering diamond disks (width 7mm), set in 18Karat Gold and detachable baroq...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Robert Lee Morris Gold Ball Explosion Fashion Choker
By Robert Lee Morris
Located in New York, NY
What a fun necklace this one is, with the explosion of gold plated brass ball beads that are rooted to a curved brass base that sits just at the base of the neck. There is a long 13'...
Gold Plate, Brass
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
Victorian Gold Mesh Purse
Located in New York, NY
This is an amazing 14k yellow gold mesh purse from the Victorian era. The purse measures 95mm by 66mm and weighs 42.5 grams. The purse is stamped 14K.
14k 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
Chopard Happy Clown Pendant With Diamond's, Ruby's, Emerald, And Blue Sapphire's
By Chopard
Located in Dallas, TX
Chopard Happy Clown Pendant. 18K Yellow Gold. 23" Chain From the 'Happy Clown' series, this pendant showcases a clown figure crafted in 18K yellow...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 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
Gold Mesh Coiled Snake Cuff Bracelet By Whiting & Davis, 1960s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Gold plated mesh and hardware - Flexible, fits most wrists - By Whiting & Davis (signed) - Circa 1960s ...
Vintage WHITING DAVIS signed silver tone glass designer massive cuff bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING DAVIS • silver tone with glass stone • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of we...
WHITING DAVIS signed vintage gold ruby red glass designer clip on earrings
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING & DAVIS • gold tone with glass • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear S...
Vintage WHITING DAVIS gold watermelon glass designer runway clip on earrings
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with glass • vintage designer clip on earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1" in diameter CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wea...
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.
Whiting Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Whiting Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet from the 1980's. Signature mesh is used to form the coiled scales on the snakes body with detailed gilt head and tail...
Gilt Metal
Whiting Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Whiting Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet from the 1980's. Signature mesh is used to form the coiled scales on the snakes body with detailed gilt head and tail...
Gilt Metal
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...
Whiting and Davis Japonesque Panel Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Whiting and Davis Japonesque Panel Bracelet in silverplate panels backed on their signature mesh. Panels depict temples and mountain ranges w...
Silver Plate