Mesh Wrist Purse Appraisal

Vintage Silver-Tone Ring Mesh Wrist Purse

This is a vintage chatelaine-style or wrist purse featuring a fine ring-mesh construction, likely dating from the late Victorian to early Art Deco period (circa 1890-1920). The purse is crafted from a silver-toned metal, possibly German silver or a nickel alloy, exhibiting a natural dark aged patina across the body. It features a rounded arched frame with a simple kiss-lock clasp at the top, which appears functional. The body of the bag is composed of hundreds of tiny interlocking metal rings, creating a fluid, fabric-like texture typical of high-quality mesh work from the era. At the bottom, the purse terminates in a tiered fringe of vertical mesh links, adding decorative movement. A twisted or braided metal cord handle is attached to the top ring of the frame, designed to be worn over the wrist or attached to a belt. Regarding condition, there is several visible areas of mesh loss or separation along the bottom fringe and potentially at the side seams by the hinges, which is common for delicate items of this age. The metal shows significant surface oxidation and darkening, which gives it an authentic antique appearance. The craftsmanship suggests a commercial production from a specialized manufacturer like Whiting & Davis or similar, though no specific maker's mark is visible in the photograph.