Whiting and Davis Mesh Lighthouse Handbag 1920s
View Similar Items
Whiting and Davis Mesh Lighthouse Handbag 1920s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Style:Art Deco (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU43034705091
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.
- S/S 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford White Beaded Snake Skin Print Chain BagBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a beautiful white beaded snakeskin pattern Gucci bag, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2000 collection, this fabulous flap bag is covered in shimmery beads a similar bag was highlighted in the March 2000 issue of U.S. Vogue captured by Raymond Meier...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Silk Gold Rhinestone Camelia Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis stunning Chanel gold satin silk evening bag with gold camellia detail is the perfect accessory for anyone's closet. Featuring a crystal encrusted Camellia, handle drop and small...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- YSL Saint Laurent Astro Tassel Star Shoulder Hand BagBy Maison Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent, Saint LaurentLocated in Freehold, NJPre-Owned 100% Authentic YSL Saint Laurent Astro Tassel Shoulder Bag RATING: B...Very Good, well maintained, shows minor signs of wear MATERIAL: leather HANDLE: adjustable black leather DROP: 8'' to 15'' COLOR: black CLOSURE: open, star poofs out when opened EXTERIOR: has a few faint scuff marks ODOR: no HARDWARE: antique golden, minimal scratches INTERIOR: black leather , has some faint whitish marks MEASUREMENTS: H 12 '' x L 12'' x W .03'' INCLUDED: *YSL Box...Category
2010s Italian Novelty Bags
- 1940s Bronze Steel Cut Bead Circular Box Bag w/ MirrorLocated in Greenport, NY1940s Bronze Steel Cut Bead Circular Box Bag w/ Mirror Circular shaped bucket box bag with an exterior of glass bronze beads and pleated detailing. Attached lid with circular mirro...Category
1940s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Iridescent Silver Lait de Coco Milk Carton BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBGot milk? This incredibly rare and limited edition Chanel milk carton bag derives from one of Karl Lagerfeld's most infamous runways of all time...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Volupte 1950s Enamel Flower Compact Miaudiere Purse and CaseLocated in Water Mill, NYA gorgeous black enamel compact, minaudiere, purse from Volupte. It has a black front decorated with enamel flowers and painted leaves on either side and the back is brushed gold me...Category
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières