You might not expect chain-mesh bags to predate sliced bread by three decades, but it’s true. The very first mesh purse was created by Charles Whiting (1864–1940) in 1892 while working for the jewelry manufacturer Wade Davis & Company in Plainville, Massachusetts. Whiting joined the company at the age of 16, and by 1896 he formed a partnership to purchase it, renaming it the Whiting & Davis Company.
While the original Whiting & Davis mesh purse was made entirely by hand — artisans hammered out the links and wove them together — the company developed a machine to automate fabrication in 1912. With the ability to produce more rapidly and prolifically, Whiting & Davis became a veritable mesh empire, creating handbags and purses in all shapes, styles and colors, including ones made from precious metals, painted with Art Deco designs and silk-screened with Impressionistic images. The purses became status icons for the stylish elite, particularly with the flappers of the 1920s.
Over the years, Whiting & Davis struck up partnerships with some of the most talented designers of the time, including Paul Poiret, Elsa Schiaparelli and Elsa Peretti, who used their mesh in elegant pieces for Tiffany & Co., propelling their popularity even further. After a brief hiatus during World War II, when Whiting & Davis produced radar equipment rather than handbags, the brand continued to develop an ever-expanding line of products that included clothing.
In the 1970s, Whiting & Davis accessories and clothing were the rage of the disco scene. By the early 2000s, everyone from Paris Hilton to Lady Gaga donned the brand’s mesh handbags.
Recent innovations to their offerings include color mesh and fine mesh, with the brand refocusing on fashion jewelry with the launch of a new collection in 2013 featuring a revamped vintage snake-bracelet design. The company has been based in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, since 1995, also supplying its renowned chain mesh for industrial uses like work gloves and protective applications such as shark suits for divers.
Find vintage Whiting & Davis mesh handbags, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Judith Leiber Ivory Lizard Compartment Purse with Gold Chain Handles, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Tucson, AZ
"And though she be but little, she is fierce," said Shakespeare. With a whopping seven interior compartments AND a matching coin purse in an 8" package, this handbag might have been ...
Longchamps Paris Ivory Floral Micro Bead Evening Bag w Chain Handle, 1950s
By Longchamps
Located in Tucson, AZ
A rare Longchamps--not Longchamp--evening purse made even more noteworthy by its swirling micro bead pattern, punctuated by delicate pink and blue pavé flowers. A diminutive but powerful statement accessory. Petite chain handle evening bag with patterned gilt top frame; covered in ivory seed beads and pavé beaded flowers front and back. Open interior compartment; kiss clasp...
Ascot New York Oval Mother of Pearl Lucite Double Decker Box Purse, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Post-war suburban gold, this nostalgic box purse is a beautiful, functional conversation piece thanks to its sizeable interior and clever double decker design. The Lucite lid flips open to reveal a tray, beneath which is hidden a second “underground” compartment opened by a spring latch beside the clasp. Unlike most box purses with a single, cavernous interior compartment, this one keeps all your necessities neat and in place. Poodle skirt...
Brass Etched Openwork Filigree Cube Purse w MOP Lucite Lid and Clear Base, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Simultaneously delicate and sturdy, this unusual box purse provides a glimpse of its contents via openwork filigree sides, while a clear Lucite platf...
Judith Leiber Brown Leather Mini Compartment Bag with Coin Purse, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Tucson, AZ
Like Bonnie Cashin’s revolutionary “Cashin Carry” bags of the 1960s, this ingenious purse seems to defy physics with the amount of room it offers. Essentially a series of expandable accordion files with multiple pockets and kiss locks to keep contents secure, it eliminates the need for a wallet. Moreover, the heavyweight gold chain handle looks like a piece of fine jewelry and is long enough to be worn on the shoulder. Chocolate brown shoulder bag...
Tyrolean Bronze Caviar Bead Evening Bag w 24-Karat Gold Plate Surround, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
As intricate as an Italian mosaic but as impermeable as a safe, this handbag is both a strongbox and a piece of art. Fully crusted with seed beads—some of which are doubled for extra topography—the purse...
A carved Bakelite framed and cream enamelled mesh handbag, 1930s.
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
A beautiful bag made from cream enamelled segments all interlocked, in the style of Whiting and Davis, with a bold hand carved cream Bakelite frame and chain handle, with stylised fl...
Whiting & Davis White Alumesh Purse, Circa 1940s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Whiting & Davis cream alumesh purse. enamel painted metal, gold metal frame, kiss lock closure, thick snake coil handle, navy blue silk faille lining. 👛 A wonderful piece o...
Whiting & Davis White Metal Mesh Purse
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Whiting & Davis purse crafted from white metal mesh with a gold-tone frame and matching hardware. The delicate mesh gives the bag a soft, fluid feel, while the contrastin...
White Stain Quilted Top-Handle Evening Bag With Chain circa 1960s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant White Stain Quilted Top-Handle Evening Bag with Chain from circa 1960s exudes timeless sophistication and vintage charm. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the...
Antique German Silver Mesh Chain Link Evening Purse Bag C. 1910s-1920s
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite antique metal mesh purse dating to the Edwardian to Art Deco transition era (circa 1910s–1920s). Crafted from interlocking German Silver...
French Belle Époque Silver Mesh Handbag with Ornate Clasp and Bracelet Handle
Located in Lisbon, PT
Elegant French Belle Époque ladies’ handbag crafted in finely woven silver mesh, featuring a beautifully worked clasp and an integrated bracelet-style handle. The flexible silver me...
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