Gold Mesh Whiting & Davis Evening Clutch
View Similar Items
Gold Mesh Whiting & Davis Evening Clutch
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 5.12 in (13 cm)Length: 7.09 in (18 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Please note this item is in excellent condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. (please enlarge images to see all details on photos).
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU18723664733
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 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.
- 1970s Celine Triomphe Clutch BagBy CelineLocated in Paris, FRCeline Triomphe clutch bag featuring signature Triomphe pattern, a top zip fastening, silver-tone hardware, an internal zip-fastening pocket and an inside gold-tone logo stamp. Circ...Category
1970s French Clutches
- Yves Saint Laurent YSL Bordeaux Leather Clutch BagBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Paris, FRYves Saint Laurent YSL bordeaux calf leather quilted clutch bag featuring a chevron-quilted pattern, an envelope design, foldover top with magnetic fastening, a zip-fastening compart...Category
1980s French Clutches
- 1970s Hermes Yellow Suede Clutch BagBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHermès yellow suede clutch bag featuring gold-tone debossed internal logo, main compartment, internal slip pocket, internal zip-fastening pocket, leather lining, foldover top with ma...Category
1970s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Loulou de la Falaise Purple Leather Mini Clutch BagBy Loulou de la FalaiseLocated in Paris, FRLoulou de la Falaise purple leather mini-clutch bag featuring a trapezoidal shape, a front pleated flap, with a snap closure, a mini back double handle, inside black suede leather. ...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Lanvin Happy Clutch Bag Summer 2009By Alber Elbaz, Lanvin ParisLocated in Paris, FRLanvin by Alber Elbaz "Happy" clutch bag featuring t an iconic animal print, a top fixed bow tie, a front closure, inside logo lining, a front zipped pocket, gold-tone hardware. See ...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1970s Christian Dior Trotter Clutch BagBy Christian DiorLocated in Paris, FR1970s Christian Dior "Trotter" Clutch Bag featuring a navy leather finishing, a tarnish front gold-tone logo detail, a tarnish gold-tone claps ope...Category
1970s French Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Black Tweed and Rhinestone Runway ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Tweed and Rhinestone Runway Clutch is in pristine condition. Enhanced with ornate crystals and a Lucite clasp, this spectacular piece from the 1990’s is a fantastic addition to any sophisticated collection. Black and white tweed wool blend is adorned with intricate crystal and rhinestone decoration. Gold framed top is capped with a clear Lucite kiss lock clasp evoking a perfume bottle stopper...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Sacs Louis Vuitton Thompson Street BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bilbao, ESLouis Vuitton Red Vernis Thompson Street Red Charming "Thompson Street Bag" shoulder bag in red monogram patent leather, adjustable strap in natural leather allowing the bag to be worn in the hand or on the shoulder. Snap button closure under flap. Lining in red leather, one patch pocket. Collection: Thompson Street Bag Model: Thompson Street Bag Gender: Woman Color: Red Material: Leather Length: 27cm 10,62 inches Height: 21.5 cm 8,46 inches Width: 3 cm 1,18 inches PRADERA Fashion Division...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
$593 Sale Price20% Off - RED Valentino Black Sequin Leather Bow ClutchBy ValentinoLocated in Philadelphia, PARED Valentino Black Sequin Leather Bow Clutch in excellent condition. Double sided sequin body which changes between black and silver depending...Category
Early 2000s Clutches
- Herve Leger Black and White Acrylic Chip Fringe ClutchBy Herve LégerLocated in Philadelphia, PAHerve Leger Black and White Acrylic Chip Fringe Clutch in excellent condition. Unique Black and white acrylic small rectangle beads throughout ...Category
Early 2000s Clutches
- Tonya Hawkes Purple Metallic Embossed and Laser Cut Leather ClutchBy Tonya HawkesLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Tonya Hawkes Purple Metallic Embossed and Laser Cut Leather Clutch in excellent condition. Dark purple leather exterior with a unique geometric embossed pattern and laser cu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Dolce and Gabbana Maroon Snakeskin Keyhole Clutch BagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Philadelphia, PADolce and Gabbana Maroon Snakeskin Keyhole Clutch Bag in like new condition. Maroon snakeskin exterior trimmed with antiqued bronze hardware an...Category
2010s Clutches