Vintage Whiting & Davis White Mesh Handbag/Purse

Whiting & Davis handbags are world-renown for their quality, innovation and style. But they didn't start there.
The company was formed in 1876 in Plainville, Massachusetts. Originally called Wade Davis & Co., it was formed by 3 men - Edward P Davis, William H Wade and Louis Heckman - they originally specialized in Victorian sterling silver jewelry. Always looking to expand their portfolio, the company was constantly experimenting with materials and styles. Quite by accident, Mr. Davis met one of his employees, a Mr. Charles Whiting, when he presented his first purse made from that timeless crafting method - chain mail. After a bit of research and development, Mr. Davis established the Whiting & Davis Company in 1892.
Originally made of Sterling silver and gold, Whiting & Davis purses skyrocketed in popularity. However, the time-consuming method of production wasn't terribly conducive to a burgeoning market, clamoring for their pieces. So, in 1912, they developed the first machine to make their mesh purses. Combining quality workmanship, modern manufacturing techniques and cutting-edge marketing, Whiting & Davis grew into one of the most prestigious and successful handbag manufacturers in the world.

This handbag is something else... I'd never really gotten a chance to see one of these up-close. I've seen and handled chain mail before, but never anything this fine. It's impossibly complex, this enamel mesh structure. I can't possibly imagine the headache one must have gotten trying to manufacture these by hand. But it goes beyond that. Each one of the links has a tiny square of enameled metal, coloured in a soft white. Each one is identical and gives a beautiful, fluid effect. It's very pretty. The handle has also been adorned with small brass tiles, larger than the others, enameled in the same colour. However, some of the tiles have begun to rub off. As a result, you can see the brass metal peeking through, in places. The clasp is brass, adorned with what look like faux pearls in a filigree pattern. Although ever-so-slightly separated in one location, the clasp closes tightly and the bag is secure. The interior is lined in bronze-coloured silk with 2 pockets. The original cloth label is also present.

It measures 15 cm wide, at the clasp, and expands to about 24 cm wide, at the bottom. It is approximately 18cm in height.

Although a touch imperfect, it would look beautiful, out on the town, and is a charming example of mid-century construction, hearkening back to an art deco sense of style.

As always, should you have any questions or comments, I'm always happy to return messages almost immediately.

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