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...
14 Karat Gold Rectangular Link Chain with Hexagon Charm Holder
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
A rectangular link chain, finished with large jump rings, provides the setting for our pendants to be layered. The chain holds a chunky, hexagon charm holder...
Gold, 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
Chanel Black Resin 3 Button Cuff Bracelet 2018 Fall Collection
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This outstanding, chic black resin Chanel cuff makes a big statement. The three gold tone buttons are highlighted with the CC logo in the cente...
Gold Plate
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
18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Set with 2.21 Carat Garnet and Diamond
By Eva Soussana
Located in Paris, FR
Designed by Eva Soussana, artist and founder of Hera-Jewellery, this sensual, elegant and refined pendant necklace from the "Eva" Collection has been thought and designed for all wom...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
22 Karat Gold Vermeil Senelagos Choker by Chee Lee Designs
By Chee Lee New York
Located in New York, NY
22 karat Gold Vermeil Senelagos Choker by Chee Lee Designs This stunner is a formidable and substantive neckpiece that combines 8 solid bars and 8 So...
22k Gold, Vermeil
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
22 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Necklace
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
22 karat gold chain with toggle clasp. The links are mini sailor's knot, a method that has was used in ancient Egypt. Entirely handcrafted in Ne...
22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Cosmic Egg Ruby and White Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Cosmic Egg embodies creation and hope, symbolizing the emergence of transformative stages. Linked to the mystery of the mother's womb, it harbors the seed of new life and hope wi...
White Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Gold Necklace with Tassels and Diamonds Clasp
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Gold Necklace with Tassels and Diamonds Clasp Fashionable yellow gold necklace with 15 gold tassels that adjust to wanted length. Made in ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
110 Ct Oval Natural Fone Oval Emerald Necklace, 14 K Gold 57.3 Gm , 18 " Long
Located in New York, NY
110 Ct Oval Natural very fine color oval Emerald set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold is a stunning piece. This necklace showcases 65 natural Oval emeralds. The total emerald weight is about ...
Emerald, 14k Gold, 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