1960s Vintage Whiting and Davis Gold Metal Mesh Handbag or Clutch
View Similar Items
1960s Vintage Whiting and Davis Gold Metal Mesh Handbag or Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU662366382
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.
- RODO 1980s Gold Wicker Coated Straw Vintage 80s Handbag Crossbody Clutch BagBy RodoLocated in San Diego, CAStylish 1980s RODO of Italy gold coated wicker / straw bag ! This beauty is so versatile—it can be worn on the shoulder, cross body, or tuck the chain in to wear it as a minaudière. ...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
$596 Sale Price20% Off - Escada 2000s Pink Python Snake Skin Silver Link Evening Shoulder Bag PurseBy Escada Margaretha Ley, EscadaLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful early 2000s ESCADA pink patchwork python snakeskin evening bag! Various shades of pink python matches anything! Front and back panels feature a slightly darker shades of pi...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Judith Leiber Python Snakeskin Nude Tan Jeweled Shoulder Bag or ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in San Diego, CAStunning vintage JUDITH LEIBER nude python shoulder bag or clutch and matching tasseled comb (can even be worn as a crossbody)! Signature Lieber silhouette that snaps shut to keep ev...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Lilac Lavender Purple Lizard Embossed Handbag 90sBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful vintage early 90s GIANFRANCO FERRE lilac light purple lizard skin embossed leather bag! Beautiful color matches nearly everything, and can be worn all year. Hinged opening ...Category
1990s Italian Hobo Bags
- 1940s Italian Taupe Alligator Croc Embossed Vintage 40s Leather Handbag PurseLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1940s Italian made alligator / crocodile embossed patent leather bag! Perfect taupe color is great all year, and matches anything. Pale gold hardware, and removable chain strap....Category
1940s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
$498 Sale Price25% Off - Herve Leger Snake + Leather Taupe Brown Extra Large Wristlet Large ClutchBy Herve LégerLocated in San Diego, CAThe perfect HERVE LEGER Taupe Snake and leather oversized wristlet clutch! Features a zip top. Measurements: 18 inches from side to side 8.5 ...Category
2010s Clutches
- Burberry Metallic Gold Quilted Leather Brooke HoboBy BurberryLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Catch admiring glances when you swing this Brooke hobo by Burberry. Crafted from leather, it is styled with quilting all over. The flap closure opens to a spacious nylon-lined interi...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Gold Tweed Couture Collection Kiss Lock Mini BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Gold Tweed Kiss Lock Bag is in excellent condition. Petite and feminine, this mini features a silver frame with kiss lock clos...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Evening Bag in Gold LeatherBy ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel (Made in France) Evening bag in quilted gold leather. Several compartments. Serial N° 4438358. Additional information: Dimensions: Width: 26 cm (10.24"), Height: 18.5 cm ...Category
1980s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- CHANEL Gold Metallic Lambskin Quilted Leather Tortoise Kisslock Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Chicago, ILPre-Owned Vintage Condition From 1997 Collection Lambskin Leather Plastic Tortoise Measures 7" W x 4.75" H x 2.5" D Handle Drop 6.25" Leather Lining 100% Authenticity Guaranteed by ...Category
Late 20th Century Shoulder Bags
- Tom Ford for Gucci Dragonfly Gold Metal MicroGuccissima Enamel Minaudiere ClutchBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Montgomery, TXTom Ford for Gucci Gold Dragonfly Minaudiere in Micro Guccissima Embossed Gold tone Metal and Enamel Clutch 2000"s Collection This striking Gucci Minaudi...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel 1990s Vintage Rare Rucksack Gold Lambskin Leather BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLCirca 1991-1994. Vintage Chanel quilted leather backpack features gold tone hardware, dual leather and interwoven chain straps, front patch pocket, front flap with a CC turn lock clo...Category
1990s Italian Backpacks