Massachusetts - Top Handle Bags

This wonderful Whiting & Davis metal mesh bag, circa 1920s, is a stunning piece of fashion history. The purse is comprised of colorful enameled armor mesh with a unique enameled frame. The front side of the frame is accented with delicate pink flowers against an ombre green background. The body of the mesh purse features black, indigo, yellow, orange, pink white and green enamel in a geometric design. The bag has the classic Whiting & Davis 1920s profile of a rectangular shape, slightly flared out at the bottom, with the "vandyke" bottom skirt design (a repeating half-diamond or V shape). The inside of the frame is stamped with the Whiting & Davis logo. Kiss lock closure. Metal figure-eight-link 13" chain. Documented in "Whiting & Davis Purses, The Perfect Mesh", Leslie Pina and Donald-Brian Johnson, 2002, pg 52, top left image. Measures approximately 5.5"x4.5". Enamel in excellent condition. One link pulled away at one corner of the frame. Tarnishing commensurate with age. Very much useable for wear or perfect for the collector display.

1960s elongated handbag of soft black fabric embellished on front with a double row of ribbon trim bound edged with black soutache. Single structured handle and gold disk clasp. Caro...

An interesting design by Coblentz featuring an unusual clamshell opening, the body in black suede, the frame and kiss clasp in gold metal. Wide suede handle...

A classic. 1960s structured satchel in rich, cognac crocodile of the highest grade, made in France, and featuring goldtone hardware throughout. Push...

1950s brown suede handbag and matching slingback, open toe pumps in brown suede, both decorated with a carved wave pattern. The unusually shaped ha...

Unique, innovative design, this vintage handbag, c. 1960s, consists of two identical bags connected at bottom by goldtone rings, which allow it to reverse from wine suede to wine pat...

Koret produced some of America's best handbags in mid-century America, both in terms of design and quality. This example is crafted of black patent leathe...

An example of some of the unique large handbags produced in the 1960s, this black leather bag is of rectangular shape and features two offset horizontal sections on the front stamped...

1960s black patent handbag with bamboo handle and clasp is a contemporary replica of a popular Gucci style from the mid twentieth century. Very w...

Oversized bone leather handbag by Rosina Ferragamo Schiavone, who was Salvatore's sister and who is primarily known for her striking shoe de...

Large 1960s bag in floral needlepoint design, the front totally beaded and further embellished with metal leaves and overlapping coins at top, the back with...

MM (Morris Moskowitz) was one of America's best handbag producers during the mid twentieth century. This example features an innovative leather printing technique based on the paisle...