Whiting & Davis Metal Mesh Handbag Evening Purse

Additional Information:
Whiting and Davis was started in 1876. They made and promoted a wide range of products including wallets, cosmetic cases and other items but are most widely known for their quality metal mesh handbags and snake coil bracelets.

The brand has been extremely popular from the average housewife of the early 1920s straight though to businesswomen and today's celebrities. According to fashion reports people like Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton and Rene Zellweger have all been seen carrying Whiting and Davis bags in recent years.

This is an original vintage bag direct from a Boston estate. This purse or handbag dates to approximately the late teens or early 1920s and has little to no wear.

This bag along with the other two we currently have listed belonged to my Grandmother, who died in 1977, and my Aunt who is now 80 years old provided the approximate dates of purchase.

This medium size silver colored handbag or evening purse measures approximately 5" wide at the bottom by 5" long, has a chain and clutch top with a rhinestone closure and is fully lined with what we believe is satin. It has no pockets. It is just the right size to carry a compact, lipstick, tissues and a change purse. The Rhinestone clasp has a total of fifteen (15) small rhinestones plus one large rhinestone. All stones are present with none missing. It is simply marked Made in U.S.A. and is otherwise unmarked as were most of the early metal mesh bags and purses. This bag dates to the late teens or early 1920s. It is in excellent condition.

While almost all of the Whiting and Davis jewelry is marked it is not uncommon to find their older mesh bags unmarked.

Whiting and Davis Corporation of Plainville, Massachusetts was established in 1896 when Charles Whiting and Edward P. Davis bought out the Wade Davis Company. They began production of their famous metal mesh bags and changed the name of the company. In 1907, Whiting bought out Davis's interest in the company and incorporated, keeping the company name.

Also in 1907 they added jewelry of Victorian and Art Nouveau influences. Their mesh spiral snake bracelets are highly sought after by collectors and we have one of those listed along with a total of three different mesh handbags.

The Whiting & Davis application for a trademark indicated that they made "Metal Mesh Bags, comprised wholly or in part of metal that is not precious, in all sizes and forms, both soldered and woven mesh." They give the date of July 29, 1921 as the first use of their logo. Prior to that time no logo was used.

This is the perfect opportunity to add a beautiful prized handbag to your collection. Enjoy it by using it, just looking at it or give it as a gift.

Item # 309

Whiting & Davis Metal Mesh Handbag Evening Purse

Price:               $79.95

Optional Insurance:
                            $2.25

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Shipping:         $5.95

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