Whiting & Davis Snake Mesh Belt or Necklace
View Similar Items
Whiting & Davis Snake Mesh Belt or Necklace
About the Item
Measurements-
Length: 40"
Width: 3/8"
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Metal, Mesh
- Condition:Excellent.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU110906169424
Whiting & Davis
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 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.
- Chanel Red Leather Belt, 1990-2000s Pristine Condition, Never Worn.By ChanelLocated in Buchanan, MIChanel Red Leather Belt, 1990-2000s Pristine Condition, Never Worn. Red Leather Buckel With Chanel Stamp.Category
20th Century Belts
- ALAÏA SS 1992 teal laser cut leather runway BeltBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Genève, CHThis teal belt dating from SS 1992 runway is an ideal way to incorporate one of Alaïa’s key codes into your everyday wardrobe. It's made from smooth leather, w...Category
1990s French Belts
- Chanel Vintage CC Logo Medallion Gold-Tone Necklace Belt, France, 1990sBy ChanelLocated in Praha 2, Hlavní město PrahaChanel gold-tone triple “necklace” belt featuring a CC logo medallion, made in France, 1990s. The belt is stamped. Very classic and great for everyday ...Category
1990s French Belts
- Chanel Gold-Tone Horse Riding Motif Medallion Necklace Belt, 1990sBy ChanelLocated in Praha 2, Hlavní město PrahaChanel gold-tone horse riding motif medallion necklace belt, made in France, 1990s. The belt is stamped. Very classic and great for everyday wear. Origin: France Size: total length ...Category
1990s French Belts
- Coco Chanel Early Poured Glass Sea Serpent BeltBy ChanelLocated in Riverdale, NYCoco Chanel Early Poured Glass Haute Couture Belt. Designed as a series of swag chains with emerald poured glass stations. Classically Baroque in the Chanel idiom with sea serpent...Category
1960s French Baroque Revival Belts
- CoCo Chanel Haute Couture Lion BeltBy ChanelLocated in Riverdale, NYCoCo Chanel early chain belt composed of signature curb chain with classic signature lions head motifs terminating in an adjustable pendant tassel. Coco Chanel synthesizes her favor...Category
1960s French Belts