Whiting and Davis Silver metal mesh and Rhinestone Clutch
View Similar Items
Whiting and Davis Silver metal mesh and Rhinestone Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Marked Size: o/s (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Metal mesh
- Condition:excellent.
- Seller Location:Topanga, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: U09081151135
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.
- Chanel 2020 Half Circle Wrinkled Metallic Silver Lambskin Quilted Classic ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Half Circle Wrinkled Metallic Silver Lambskin Quilted Classic Flap Clutch Silver hardware CC Logo at front Metallic wrinkled calfskin leather Zippered top closure with wrist...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Limited Edition Curved Warped Mirror Silver Metallic Minaudière ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Limited Edition Curved Warped Mirror Silver Metallic Minaudière Clutch Color Silver Metallic Material Stainless Steel, Leather Year 2013 Made ...Category
2010s French Clutches
- Chanel Rare Metallic Silver Data Center Novelty Minaudière Keyboard ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Metallic Silver Data Center Novelty Minaudière Keyboard Clutch From the Spring/Summer 2017 Data Center Collection Silver Hardware Robot charm...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- MM Silver Convertible ClutchBy Morris MoskowitzLocated in Alford, MAMorris Moskowitz clutch in silver leather that has been quilted in a star design. The foldover clutch has a divided interior, one side with zippered compartment. A thin silver chain ...Category
Late 20th Century American Clutches
- Chanel Silver Keyboard Clutch 1C1027By ChanelLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: 24117812 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 12 " Width: 1 " Height: 6 " Handle Drop: 1.5" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Signs of Wear: Exter...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Whiting & Davis Silver Chainmail ClutchBy Whiting & DavisLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdorable vintage Whiting & Davis silver chainmail clutch! Complete your going out look effortlessly with this timeless and versatile chainmail clutch. Features a gorgeous rhinestone-...Category
Mid-20th Century Clutches