Material: Sterling Silver
Size: Frame Width ~ 7 & 1/2 inches, Depth; Clasp to Purse Bottom ~ 6 inches,
Overall
Length; Top Hdle to Bottom Purse ~ 14 & 7/8 inches
Handle ~ apx 18 inches
= 9 inch drop
Marks: Sterling + Butterfly hallmark
Maker: Ernst Gideon Bek
Origin:
Germany
Date: 1907 - 1911
Quantity: 1
This is an exceptionally nice and certainly larger size, antique all sterling silver
Edwardian purse, c. 1907-11. (see detailed measurements above)
The substantial frame is embellished with an ornate hand engraved Art Nouveau floral
motif and kiss closure.
The long chain link handle is a fancier and not often seen variation of the paper
clip style, featuring three oval links, between each elongated link.
The high quality mesh is fine and smooth; no lining.
The purse was manufactured in Germany by Ernst Gideon Bek, Inc. Per Rainwater's
book, Encyclopedia of Silver Manufacturers, this company manufactured high end sterling,
gold and platinum mesh bags, which were sold in the US exclusively by the New York
firm of Binder Bros.
Hallmarked inside, below closure; Sterling, along with the Butterfly insignia for
Ernst Bek. Opposing frame hand engraved in a beautiful period script; Frances E.
Mariner.
This purse is in exceptionally nice estate condition. I examined the links with
a magnifying glass and believe that every single link remains securely in place around
entire frame perimeter, even at hinges, where the links are tight and very close
up around the hinge. There is definitely no large gap between hinge and links, as
is commonly seen on old mesh bags. In the body of the purse there may be a minor
loose link or two; it is difficult to tell because each link is interlinked with
at least four others, so if one becomes loosened it is not easily discernable.
Hinges operate very well, as does clasp, which aligns well and snaps securely shut.
All parts appear to be original.
It is a nice substantial bag, weighing a considerable 7.22 troy ounces.
The Bek Company was noted for producing high end, very good quality sterling, gold
and platinum bags and this purse certainly stands as a fine example. It is extremely
well made, with great attention to detail, form and function, as well as aesthetics.
This sterling silver purse is a nice, harder to find large, very usable size, with
a convenient longer handle. With very little care this lovely bag will easily last
another 100 years.
