Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Clutch
View Similar Items
Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:gold tone mesh
- Condition:excellent.
- Seller Location:Topanga, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU11030151646
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.
- Hermès Vintage Jige Toile Burgundy 29By HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLHermès vintage jige toile leather trim clutch 29. Light beige canvas framed by burgundy leather, with beige stitching on the leather closure. This 1988 clutch has light stains on the...Category
1980s French Clutches
- Judith Leiber Vintage Cream Leather ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PABeautiful Judith Leiber Vintage Cream Leather Clutch in excellent condition. Soft cream leather exterior with textured pinched leather top front...Category
1980s Clutches
- Bottega Veneta Tan Snakeskin ClutchBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Philadelphia, PABottega Veneta Tan Snakeskin Clutch in excellent condition. Tan snakeskn exterior with black burnished edges. Hidden hinge closure with pull tabs opens to a blue suede interior. No s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary 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
- Vintage Judith Leiber Natural Tan and Brown Snakeskin ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Judith Leiber Natural Tan and Brown Snakeskin Clutch in excellent condition. Tan and brown python exterior trimmed with gold hardware and multi color gemstones. Side pull lat...Category
1980s Clutches