Maker: Whiting & Davis
Material: Baby-Fine Enameled Dresden Mesh
Size: Frame Width ~ 4 inches, Length ~ Clasp to Bottom 6 inches,
Chain
~ apx. 13 inches overall w/ 6 & ¼ inch drop
Overall Length Purse & Chain
~ apx. 12 inches
Quantity: 1
A really attractive vintage Whiting and Davis purse, featuring baby fine Dresden
mesh with fancy Van Dyke fringe, enameled in an Art Deco motif using bright red,
purple, green and brown, c. 1920's.
The silver frame, which has a kiss style closure, is decorated in a complimentary
reddish brown enamel, with attached fancy link chain.
Inside frame is hallmarked with the W & D logo.
There is also a charming, fancy period hand engraved inscription; CH from GD
Interior is lined in a silky cream colored fabric.
The high quality mesh is extremely fine and smooth.
This purse has been used, but remains in good estate condition. I examined the
links with a magnifying glass and believe that every single link remains securely
in place around entire frame perimeter. Links are also quite close up near the hinges.
There is definitely no overly large gap between hinge and links, as is commonly
seen on old mesh bags. Additionally, I see no loose or missing links to body, or
to the very fine, fancy Vandyke style fringe.
Enamel to both body and frame remains quite bright. There are a few very tiny scratches
to frame enamel, as well as one small area, along with a couple of specks of wear
to silver frame.
Lining is intact, but has come unstitched from frame on one side, so needs to be
whip stitched back into place. There are no large stains to lining, just some slight
overall darkening to cream fabric that would resolve with a quick soak.
Hinges operate very well, as does clasp, which aligns well and snaps securely shut.
All parts appear to be original.
According to my reference material as well as online sources, several companies imitated
Whiting and Davis mesh bags, a few actually improving on their concepts, however
no other company ever even came close to the quality of W & D baby fine mesh handbags,
either in the mesh itself, or the enamel. This fine handbag certainly seems to
validate the historians’ consensus.
