1980s Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Toronto, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU228218876332
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Toronto, Canada
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1950s Black Beaded Evening Bag with Red RosesLocated in Toronto, OntarioThe most beautiful evening bag from the 1950s. This piece is completely encrusted in tiny jet black seed beads that are vividly contrasted by embroidered red and green roses. The fra...Category
1950s Hong Kong Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1990s Bottega Veneta Black Quilted Satin BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Toronto, OntarioLovely Bottega Veneta mailbag from the 1990s. Black quilted satin with black top stitching. Demi lune shape with two black pom poms. Black satin interior. The long, thin black strap ...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- 1990s Chanel Black Lambskin Classic Single Flap Double Twin BagsBy ChanelLocated in Toronto, OntarioMore is more! This set of Chanel medium and small twin bags from the 1990s is fabulous. Both bags are the quilted lambskin in the classic Chanel single flap shape. Leather top handle...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- Late 1950s Rosenfeld Black Satin Circle Handle Evening BagLocated in Toronto, OntarioLate 1950's Twifaille by Rosenfeld black satin evening bag. The circular handle has gold and rhinestone embellishments along the inside that play up the rounded shape of this bag. Th...Category
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1960's Rosenfeld Royal Blue Satin Evening bag with JewelsBy Harry RosenfeldLocated in Toronto, OntarioBrighten up any black evening or cocktail dress with this 1960's Rosenfeld royal blue satin evening convertible clutch. Gold tone hard case clasp embedded with faux emeralds and sapp...Category
1960s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1980s Ungaro Green and Black Bag Patterned Leather with TasselsBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980s Emanuel Ungaro evening/dinner bag. Gorgeous green and black patterned leather with contrasting gold tone hardware. Flap front with snap closure. Black twisted ribbon shoulder s...Category
1980s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Asprey Co Ltd. Sterling Silver Opulent Art Deco Compact c 1920sBy Asprey International LimitedLocated in University City, MOAsprey London Sterling silver opulent art deco vanity compact c 1920s The elegant vintage compact is designed with sterling silver The sterling panels ...Category
Early 20th Century British Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Prada Black Tessuto Nylon Saffiano Wristlet BagBy PradaLocated in New York, NYPrada Black Tessuto Nylon Saffiano Wristlet Bag. Features detachable wrist strap Made In: Italy Color: Black Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Nylon Lining...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pouches and Wristlets
- Black Pavé Basketweave Beaded Cigarette or Business Card Case – Hong Kong, 1960sLocated in Tucson, AZA glimpse back to a time when cigarettes abounded on airplanes, in movie theaters and grocery stores, this cigarette case would have conveyed ladylike sophistication in even the smokiest room. Tall enough for filtered cigarettes or business cards, its beaded basketweave pattern looks like caviar and throws understated sparkles even in low light. Black soft-sided cigarette case with all over basketweave pattern; “Star Brand...Category
1960s Hong Kong Wallets and Small Accessories
- Dolce&Gabbana Vintage Coin Purse D&GBy D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA, Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Milano, ITGorgeous mini bag designed by Dolce & Gabbana n he 1980s, soft leather, made in Italy. ORIGINAL BRAND. The purse is really small and entirely made of leather. The texture is the high...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Antique French silver coin purse, Chatelaine purse, meshLocated in NEWARK, GBA stunning antique French silver coin purse. The body is made up from intricately woven and delicate 800 silver mesh. The base of the purse feature...Category
Early 20th Century French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1990s Burberry Pocket Shaped Wristlet PouchBy BurberryLocated in London, GB1990s Burberry Pocket Shaped Wristlet Pouch, tartan print on front, denim on back, top zip closure with char, denim, red leather strap This classic design is perfect for fashion afi...Category
1990s British Pouches and Wristlets
