Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse - Chocolate Brown & Tan

Whiting & Davis

A premier example of style and ingenuity

I usually deal primarily in sterling antiques... now it seems, I have ventured into Vintage sales. We lucked into a cache of over 180 Whiting & Davis purses... the conditions ranging from brand new (obviously purchased as a gift in the 20s or 30s but never used) to gently used. Some of the designs have not seen the light of day for over 75 years. No two are alike and every one of them is just plain beautiful. I will be offering them gradually... both in a no reserve auction, and here, in my Ebay store - Sterling_Remembered.

Offered at auction is a lovely example of the decorative styling of the 20s & 30s.

Whiting & Davis bought the patent for the metal mesh process back in the early 1900s and took the world of haute couture by storm. No lady worth her salt would be without her Whiting & Davis handbag

So many of the W&D purses generally available today are rather drab and worn looking from age. This handbag, while used, in in good condition... and the floral design is still distinctive.

The silver tone frame and chain handle show little wear. The hinges move freely and the clasp closes securely. The enamelled armor mesh body of the purse is securely fastened to the frame.

I found only minor fading or wear to the enameled mesh body that makes up the design. The bottom seam is still tight and the zig-zag skirt does not look like it was ever snagged or compromised.

The primary colors are chocolate brown and tan with a silver-toned frame and link chain handle.

The purse is of a medium size.  Enough room for a small cell phone, keys, or loose money. When laid flat, it measures 3 3/4 inches by 6 1/2 inches. The chain handle is 12 inches therefore giving a total drop of 12 inches from handle top to the very bottom of this unique purse.

 Please view the pictures carefully. I generally take my photographs outside in sunlight to accurately depict the colors and conditions of the items I am offering. So, if you see any discolorations or other anomalies that would indicate damage, it is either the sun, the clouds, the trees, or me.

When it is safely possible, I try to combine shipments to save on postage and packaging requirements. There are some instances where that may not be possible, so if you have won more than one auction, please wait until you receive an invoice from me. 

I try to fully and faithfully disclose any irregularities I find but I am far from perfect and some things may escape my detection. When damage (no matter how minute) I try to make sure that it is clearly depicted in the photos.

I believe that I have described the above auction offering accurately and in detail. Please consult the photographs or Email me with any questions.

My word is my bond. If you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact me within 3 business days to arrange return and a refund of your purchase price. Shipping charges are not refundable.

The items that I am currently listing are not my property and as such, I am unable to make a 'deal' or entertain a 'Best Offer' scenario. They belong to a friend who is in the precious metals business. He has a warehouse that is stockpiled with vintage and antique items that he has purchased over the last 28 years of business, including more than 100 different silver flatware sets. With the soaring price of silver, he had decided to send them all to the smelter to be melted down.

Instead, I convinced him to let me try to offer them on Ebay so that they would not be destroyed. I know that there are silver lovers out there that wish to harken back to the days of genteel dining and gracious living. Besides, I have come to genuinely appreciate anything that is older than me and still survives.

Due to recent complications with International bidders and shipping policies, I will only ship via Express Mail International with full insurance. I WILL NOT alter the final bid price on the required customs forms.