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
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
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
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...
Taxco Sterling Silver Abalone Bracelet 1965 Clamper Alfredo Villasana
Located in Wallkill, NY
This is a superb circa 1965 sterling silver Clamper bracelet made by Alfredo Villasana of Taxco, Mexico, handcrafted modernist hinged clamper bracelet with abalone inset. Villasana w...
Sterling Silver
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond Handmade Victorian Necklace 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond Handmade Vintage Victorian Necklace 925 Sterling Silver 3 pc set Material 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Natural Diamond Polki Rose Cut Wieght ap...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Chanel Vintage Hinged Camellia flower bracelet with safety chain 6.25"
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Beautiful Chanel Camellia flower 24k gold plated hinged bracelet with safety chain. This bracelet is a rare example from the 1980s which is in lovely vintage condition without any m...
Gold Plate
Damiani Emerald and Diamond Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
By Damiani
Located in Dallas, TX
Damiani Emerald and Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold. The necklace features a 2ct oval emerald accented by 5ctw of brilliant round cut diamonds. 16" Leng...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. "Vannerie" Basket Weave Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Tiffany & Co. "Vannerie" Basket Weave Yellow Gold Choker Necklace, crafter in 18k yellow gold, secured with a box clasp. Inscribed Tiffany & Co., 750. Length 13.5inc...
18k Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold Dangling Gold Disc Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Dangling Gold Disc Necklace Yellow Gold Birthday Necklace Gift Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: ...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$13,537
H 0.29 in W 2.56 in L 18 in
3.80 Carat Sapphire and 4.70 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Necklace Circa 2000
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive contemporary 3.80 carat sapphire and 4.70 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold necklace; part of our sapphire jewelry collections. This stunning, fine...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Beautiful 14k Yellow Gold Ornated Link Chain
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 18.3 grams Length: 20.75 inches Link width: 6.8 mm Make a statement with timeless sophistication. This exquisite chain is crafted from rich 14k yel...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond Handmade Victorian Necklace 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond Handmade Vintage Victorian Necklace 925 Sterling Silver Material 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Natural Diamond Polki Rose Cut Wieght approx 62 gr...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 8 Ct Natural Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Pendant, 14KWG Chain
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified ,Report # 2231401718 , Natural Beryl , F2 Exact known weight 8.37 Ct Natural Emerald Cut Zambian Emerald Pendant with approximate...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18Kt Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Necklace Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Manhasset, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18Kt Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra with 10 Motif Necklaces. Stamped VCA 750 with serial CL74445. "Launched in 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic motif rapidly becomes an emblem of the Maison. For over four decades, women have loved the enchanting contours of this lucky-charm motif. It is a potent symbol of luck, health, fortune, and love. Born as a long, plain yellow gold necklace...
Pearl, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Diamond and African Ruby Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond and African Ruby Necklace Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Length: 16 inches Markings: "750" Metal: 18k White Gol...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
1970s Whiting and Davis Golden Metal Mesh Disco Necklace
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Metal gold mesh necklace by Whiting & Davis circa 1970's. Necklace measures 20" in neck length by 13" by 13". Signed on metal hang tag, Whiting & Davis, Co. In very good vintage c...
Base Metal
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