Collectible Purse Appraisal

Whiting & Davis Co. Metal Mesh Purse with Original Box

This is a vintage Whiting & Davis Co. mesh purse, likely dating from the early to mid-20th century, specifically the Art Deco or Retro era, given the company's prominence in mesh fashion during those periods. The purse features a highly reflective, fine metal mesh construction, which makes up the entire body of the bag. The purse has a structured metal frame at the top, which forms the opening and closing mechanism, secured by a prominent clasp. This clasp appears to be a lever-style closure, with a raised element that pivots to open and close the bag. A delicate chain handle is attached to the metal frame, designed for carrying the purse. The overall color is a uniform silver or chrome tone, indicating the use of a polished, probably nickel or silver-plated, metal. The mesh is composed of numerous small, interconnected metal rings, creating a flexible and shimmering surface. The condition appears to be very good, with no obvious signs of significant damage, extensive tarnishing, or missing mesh pieces. The reflective quality of the mesh suggests it has been well-preserved. There are no visible maker's marks on the purse itself in this image, but the accompanying box clearly identifies it as a product of 'Whiting & Davis Co.' and specifies 'MESH BAGS.' The box also states 'HAND-IN-HAND WITH FASHION' and 'FINE MESH BAGS' along with a number 'Y82AS'. This original packaging adds significant value and authenticity to the item, indicating it may be New Old Stock (NOS) or very lightly used. The craftsmanship appears to be of high quality, consistent with the reputation of Whiting & Davis for their durable and fashionable mesh products.