Whiting & Davis Gold Chainmail Clutch
View Similar Items
Whiting & Davis Gold Chainmail Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Width: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU167219780952
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.
- Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Gold ClutchBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Scottsdale, AZGorgeous Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent evening bag in the most stunning metallic gold crocodile embossed metal casing! Eye catching shiny g...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- 1980S Brown Enamel ClutchLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing a true gem from the past with a contemporary twist: the 1980s Brown Fold Over Clutch/Crossbody Bag. This accessory seamlessly fuses vintage charm with modern flair, makin...Category
1980s American Clutches
- Cult Gaia Acrylic Ark Bag GreenLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing a clutch that's not just an accessory; it's a work of art - the Cult Gaia Acrylic Ark Bag in Gorgeous Green. This clutch takes fashion to a new level with its signature s...Category
2010s Clutches
- Fendi Brown Leather Woven ClutchBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZGet your hands on the Fendi Brown Leather Woven Clutch—a timeless and versatile accessory that seamlessly combines luxury with a striking visual effect. This clutch isn't just an acc...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Cheetah MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZElegance and glamor right this way! This is a highly designed handbag by none other than Judith Leiber that will no doubt catch people's attention from across the room. This is a BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. The exterior of this bag is covered in black, cream, and black swarovski crystals in a cheetah minaudiere shape. This handbag is vintage from the late 20th century and is in pristine vintage condition. On the interior there is a gold leather lining that holds a thin gold chain shoulder strap to easily convert between clutch and shoulder styles. No stains, smells, or missing crystals. Don't miss the adorable details of this bag like the mini leather coin purse and the adorable paws on the bottom. Pair this handbag with a Moschino gown, some gold Chanel jewelry...Category
Late 20th Century American Clutches
- Hermes Pouchette Rio Envelope in CamelBy HermèsLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the epitome of timeless elegance - the Hermes Rio Envelope Pochette in a camel tone brown. This luxurious accessory features a chic snap-style c...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Hermés Amethyste Crocodile ClutchBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being said, it is the m...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Judith Leiber Pink Alligator Box Clutch With Crystal ClosureBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAFABULOUS JUDITH LEIBER pink alligator box clutch in excellent condition. Pink alligator exterior trimmed with silver hardware and a stunning clear swar...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Bottega Veneta Brown Lizard Leather ClutchBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Philadelphia, PAGorgeous Bottega Veneta brown lizard leather clutch in excellent condition. Brown lizard leather exterior with front twist closure. Pleated expandable interior design features 2 sepa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber Vintage Saks Tan Lizard ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Vintage Saks Tan Lizard Clutch in very good condition. Tan pleated lizard leather exterior trimmed with engraved gold hardware along top edge...Category
1980s Clutches
- Judith Leiber Tan Alligator ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Tan Alligator Clutch in good condition. Tan alligator exterior trimmed with gold hardware along top edge. Top center lift latch closure opens via 4 hinges to a tan lea...Category
1980s Clutches
- Judith Leiber Red Embossed Alligator ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Red Embossed Alligator Clutch in very good vintage condition. Red embossed suede exterior with exotic alligator print trimmed with gold...Category
1980s Clutches