Antique Sterling Silver Ripley & Gowan Mesh Purse

Our Favourite Antique And Vintage Mesh Purses

Here at The Vintage Compact Shop we are probably best known for our fine collection of compact mirrors & handbag compacts. What you may not know is that we also have a wide variety of vintage handbags and purses in our collection as well. We are big fans of fine mesh purses as well as enamel and French chatelaine coin purses.                                                                                
We hope you enjoy the selection highlighted below.   
                                           


The most delightful high quality fully hallmarked Edwardian sterling silver chatelaine purse which was imported into Chester in 1909, where it was assayed for purity.

Sponsor's Mark, Chester Import Mark, 925 (Sterling) & Date Letter

The sponsor's mark of Robert Cawley and all the hallmarks are clear and unworn. This antique mesh purse is sterling silver throughout. The purse is fully hallmarked in multiple places. The condition is superb. There aren't any missing links. This adorable piece is ornamented with a five bead fringe bottom. Five forget-me-nots are depicted on the ornately engraved Art Nouveau frame. The original hanging ring is present and so this little purse can still be suspended from a chain.  

The purse measures 8cm from the kiss closure to the beads.

The frame measures 5cm wide. Weighs 38 grams. 

 

Chatelaine Purse From The Early 1900s - French In Origin

Remarkably this little antique purse is in superb condition with none of the links being damaged, broken or missing. We think this would be the most wonderful Christmas present due to the frequent decoration of mistletoe engraved delicately around the frame of the item.

View This Rare French Sterling Silver Mesh Bag

A fine fully hallmarked sterling silver bag of French origin. The hallmarked mesh wrist strap has a hallmarked buckle at the top & the strap can be adjusted easily. The frame is decorated to symbolize immortality with Acanthus leaves displayed on both sides. It is highly unusual to find such a heavy sterling silver bag of this form. Most of the time the tassels are damaged to some degree. This is an exceptional antique.

View This Antique Sterling Silver Purse

 

A splendid fully hallmarked sterling silver Art Nouveau purse which was crafted in France and imported into London in 1917. This adorable piece is embellished with a fourteen bead fringe bottom and an ornately engraved Art Nouveau scrollwork frame. 

925 Mark (Sterling Silver) & London Import Mark

This antique mesh purse is sterling silver throughout. The purse and chain handle are fully hallmarked in multiple places. The condition is superb. There aren't any missing links. 

The purse measures 13cm from the kiss closure to the beads. The chain handle has a drop of 17.5cm. The frame measures 8.2cm wide. Weighs 106.4 grams.

 

Vintage Whiting & Davis Mesh Bag

The lining of this glittering gold tone purse is in good condition. The famous Whiting & Davis label is still in place sewn into the lining proving that this is a genuine article from their brand. The official Whiting & Davis stamp on both sides of the frame clearly visible as well. For convenience, there is also a pocket sewn into the lining too. A lovely vintage bag that would enhance any outfit.

View This Antique Dresden Enamel Mesh Purse

An outstandingly Flapper bag. The frame & chain handle are gilded. There is no loss of colour from the enamel at all & the frame is in remarkable condition. On both sides of the frame the pink & yellow enamel is gorgeous & without damage. The embossed enamel details on the frame are stylized flowers. 

Fine Antique Enamel & Gilt Sterling Silver Mesh Purse

An authentic luxury flapper bag of the finest quality in excellent condition. It is an exquisitely beautiful antique sterling silver and gilt piece. The gilding is far more golden than these images depict. The lid is decorated with guilloche enamel that is in exceptional condition. The enamel is decorated with hand painted pink roses & forget-me-nots. We have never found a bag in such incredible condition as this Ripley & Gowan purse so it takes the top spot in this round-up as well as our collection!

Want to see more? Feel free to browse our complete range of vintage bags & purses.

 

If the history of bags and purses interests you please feel free to browse the links below:

A Complete History Of Whiting & Davis

The Inventor Sahatiel Mandalian, History Of Mandalian Bags & Patents.