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.
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
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...
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
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...
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. ...
14K White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace, Features 3.13Cts of Round Diamonds
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
"14K White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace, Features 3.13Cts of Round Diamonds. FG color and SI calrity and Excellent cut 17" inche...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Gold Toned Signed Coro Necklace
By Coro
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Vintage Gold-Toned Signed Coro Necklace is a highly collectible piece of jewelry that reflects the craftsmanship and style of the mid-20th century. Coro was one of the most popu...
Gold Plate
14 Karat Gold Chain Necklace with Multi Colored Stone Baguettes
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
A colorful addition to any necklace collection. Our Confetti gold chain features gorgeous colored baguette stones in a mix of rhodolite, peridot, citrine, moonstone and london blue ...
Citrine, Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Peridot, Blue Topaz, Rhodolite, Gold...
Victorian 14K Gold Fob Watch Chain
Located in New York, NY
A victorian 14K gold watch chain worn with a watch on one end, carrying a fob on the other. Of gold round and two sizes of rectangular links, ribbed and etched in an aesthetic taste....
14k Gold
Betony Vernon "O’ring Princess Necklace" with Sphere Pendant 18 Karat Gold
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O’Ring Princess Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 2001 and handcrafted in lost wax elements. The Sphere Attachment can be removed, granting the jewel the playful dualit...
Gold, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Beaded Ball Pendant Necklace - 14k Adjustable
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Chain Style: Flat Cable Necklace Style: Chain Fastening Type: Lobster Claw Clasp Theme: Beaded Ball Measurements Tall: 1/2" (12.2mm) Wide: 1/2" (12....
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Dutch Genuine Red Coral Children Necklace
Located in Arnhem, NL
An antique necklace made of 3 strands with red coral beads. The beads of approximately Ø 4 mm are strung on rope. The necklace clasp is made of 14 karat (585/1000) yellow gold and ...
Coral, 14k Gold
Oval Shape Orange Corals, 18K Yellow Gold Clamper Retrò Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing and elegant clamper bracelet in 18kt yellow gold composed of 11 coral dome surrounded by gold. gold 35.20gr coral 11.10gr tot weight 46.4gr r.f. rgii,aa For any inquiries, p...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Half-Pearl Hinged Bangle
Located in London, GB
A Victorian half-pearl hinged bangle, the front set with four rows of half pearls, the two central row of pearls measuring 3mm and the two outer rows of p...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Morado Purple Opal, Quartz and Amethyst Sterling Silver Statement Bib Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Multi-shape Morado Purple Opal, Rose Quartz, Quartz and Amethyst Sterling Silver Statement Bib Necklace. Hand set in 925 Sterling Silver mounting. Necklace ...
Amethyst, Opal, Quartz, Sterling Silver
Victorian Turquoise and Gold Serpent Chain Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian turquoise and gold serpent chain necklace, a yellow gold muff chain set with nine turquoise beads within a yellow gold square, leading to an ...
Garnet, Turquoise, 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