1940's Vintage Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Bag with Rhinestone Detail
View Similar Items
1940's Vintage Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Bag with Rhinestone Detail
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 3511-791stDibs: LU259868662
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.
- Oscar de la Renta Multicolored Silk Patchwork Evening Bag with Silver HardwareBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLOscar de la Renta Multi-Colored Patterned Silk Patchwork Evening Bag - SHW. This unique evening bag is multi-colored and has a silver decoration on the front. The strap is removable....Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Gucci 1973 Bronze Small Crossbody Handbag - GHWBy GucciLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis beautiful bronze Gucci 1973 crossbody bag is perfect for everyday wear. Originates from the fall/winter 2010 season, this piece is in very good condition as it was carried by my...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Judith Leiber Olive Satin Evening Bag & Clutch with RhinestonesBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber Olive Satin Evening Bag & Clutch with Rhinestones. This bag is in very good condition with light wear. It has a long gold strap that can be removed. Measurements: ...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Larisa Barrera Metallic Beaded Evening bagLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLarisa Barrera Metallic Beaded Evening bag. The bag is completely covered in sequins and beads in metallic hues. The bag is silver hardware with clasp c...Category
2010s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Daniel Swarovski Gold Clutch with Chain StrapBy Daniel SwarovskiLocated in West Palm Beach, FLDaniel Swarovski Gold Clutch with Chain Strap. This clutch adorned in Swarovski crystals is the perfect glamorous piece to match with any nighttime outfit. The chain is removable, an...Category
2010s French Clutches
- Marino Black Alligator Crossbody Bag - 1990'sLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMarino Black Alligator Crossbody Bag - 1990's. This bag is a timeless piece that is just a trendy now as it was in the 90's. It features a long lea...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Saks Fifth Avenue Gilt Metal Butterfly Minaudière Evening Bag c 1970sBy Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in University City, MOSaks Fifth Avenue Opulent gilt metal butterfly minaudiere' c 1970s The elegant evening bag is adorned with an etched butterfly motif on the front The stylized butterfly is shiny poli...Category
1970s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Balmain Evening Clutch in Lame Gold Fabric and EmbroideriesBy BalmainLocated in Paris, FRStunning Balmain evening clutch. It is entirely handmade in Paris. Work of haute couture. Fabric in lamé gold, embroidered of multi red, gold and black ribbons and squares of mirror ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Vintage J Renee Bronze / Gold HandbagLocated in London, GBA chic vintage handbag by J Renee. In a soft bronze colour the handbag has an internally detachable strap and so can be used as a clutch bag or handbag. Measur...Category
1960s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Rosenfeld Embossed Gold Metal Evening BagBy Harry Rosenfeld, RosenfeldLocated in Alford, MARosenfeld c.1960s evening bag with chain of gold metal metal molded in a quilted and wave design. A gold metal triangular clasp, echoed on the rever...Category
1960s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Metallic Gold Lambskin Drawstring and Detailed Floral Top-Stitching Shoulder BagLocated in New York, NYElegant and whimsical metallic gold lambskin drawstring shoulder bag is detailed with floral-design topstitching. The interior is lined in black. Drawstring as well as the should...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Valentino Garavani Vintage Embroidered Leather Clutch PurseBy ValentinoLocated in Nice, FRVALENTINO GARAVANI vintage embroidered leather clutch purse featuring gold tone hardware, faux ivory, crystal and glass cabochon embellishement. ...Category
20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
$512 Sale Price20% Off