|
| Item: |
Handbag,
Purse, Change Purse, or Cigarette Case |
| Manufacturer: |
Whiting
& Davis Co |
| Model: |
Unknown |
| Design: |
Rectangle
with Chain and Clutch Top
Unlined |
| Style: |
Art
Nouveau |
| Composition: |
Metal
Mesh |
| Color: |
Silver |
| Size: |
3
1/2" x 4 1/2" |
| Age: |
Late
teens to early 1920s |
| Condition: |
Excellent
in Jordan Marsh Box |
| Origin: |
Boston,
Massachusetts |
| Mark: |
None |
Additional Information:
Whiting and Davis was started in 1876. They made and promoted a wide
range of products including wallets, cosmetic cases and other items but
are most widely known for their quality metal mesh handbags and snake
coil bracelets.
The brand has been extremely popular from the average housewife of the
early 1920s straight though to businesswomen and today's celebrities.
According to fashion reports people like Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton and
Rene Zellweger have all been seen carrying Whiting and Davis bags in
recent years.
This is an original vintage bag direct from a Boston estate. This purse
or handbag dates to approximately the late teen or early 1920s and has
little to no wear.
This bag along with the other two we currently have listed belonged to
my Grandmother, who died in 1977, and my Aunt who is now 80 years old
provided the approximate dates of purchase.
This small sized silver colored bag measures approximately 3 1/2" wide
by 4 1/2" long, has a chain and clutch top. It is unlined. It was
probably used as a change purse or cigarette purse because of its
demure size. It has been stored in the original Jordan Marsh Company
box and you will receive that as well. This bag is unmarked as were
most of the early metal mesh bags and purses and dates to the late
teens or early 1920s. It is in excellent condition.
While almost all of the Whiting and Davis jewelry is marked it is not
uncommon to find their older mesh bags unmarked.
Whiting and Davis Corporation of Plainville, Massachusetts was
established in 1896 when Charles Whiting and Edward P. Davis bought out
the Wade Davis Company. They began production of their famous metal
mesh bags and changed the name of the company. In 1907, Whiting bought
out Davis's interest in the company and incorporated, keeping the
company name.
Also in 1907 they added jewelry of Victorian and Art Nouveau
influences. Their mesh spiral snake bracelets are highly sought after
by collectors and we have one of those listed along with a total of
three different mesh handbags.
The Whiting & Davis application for a trademark indicated that
they
made "Metal Mesh Bags, comprised wholly or in part of metal that is not
precious, in all sizes and forms, both soldered and woven mesh." They
give the date of July 29, 1921 as the first use of their logo. Prior to
that time no logo was used.
This is the perfect opportunity to add a beautiful prized handbag to
your collection. Enjoy it by using it, just looking at it or give it as
a gift.
Item # 308
Please see
our other Whiting & Davis items by clicking on the pictures
below.
  
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