1920s Whiting and Davis Floral Enamel Mesh Purse
View Similar Items
1920s Whiting and Davis Floral Enamel Mesh Purse
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Width: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Depth: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)
- Place of Origin:United States
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Houston, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10322339263
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.
- Chanel Beige Satin Applique Frame BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Beige Satin Applique Clutch is in excellent condition. Very unique ornamentation combines beautifully with edgy silver accents. B...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- BOTTEGA VENETA light taupe suede BOWLING BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Bottega Veneta bowling style hand-bag in light taupe suede, light grey leather featuring crocodile handles and ayers snakeskin trimming details. Opens with a double-zi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog MiniaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdd this amazing piece to your collection! Circa 1980s, this Judith Leiber frog miniaudiere features multi color Jade, Amethyst and Onyx stones with...Category
1980s American Clutches
- Vintage Judith Leiber Python Snakeskin Nude Tan Jeweled Shoulder Bag or ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in San Diego, CAStunning vintage JUDITH LEIBER nude python shoulder bag or clutch and matching tasseled comb (can even be worn as a crossbody)! Signature Lieber silhouette that snaps shut to keep ev...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Quilted Champagne Silk Bag with Faux Coral Clasp, 1980'sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOHighly unusual Judith Leiber champagne silk handbag with trapunto embroidery forming wavelike rows that give this piece an interesting quilted ...Category
1980s American Clutches
$410 Sale Price28% Off - Bottega Veneta Honey & Cream Lambskin Woven Clutch/ HandbagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in New York, NYBottega Veneta woven lambskin leather clutch with optional handle if desire to use as a handbag. The bag is in a combination of honey & cream hues woven together. The bag opens a...Category
1990s Italian Clutches