Whiting and Davis

What a treat - a temporary purse exhibit at the White River Museum. Wish it was permanent, but I very much enjoyed it while it was here.  I'm happy to share with you all the amazing purses.  In this series, I'm going to start with one of my all time favorites which is Whiting and Davis and metal and mesh bags.  It all started with the original factory in Plainville, Massachusetts when three men . . . 

From 1910, this was a common size for a purse at the time, which would hang over a woman's belt of a dress or skirt.  When dresses didn't have pockets, this pocket purse style took the place in order to carry a very few necessities.

The original wristlet style.  These are drawstring openings.

A beautiful little wristlet with a peacock accent at the top.  The delicate clasp to open it you can just see on the left side.

Love these gold mesh coin pochetes (French, "small bag")

Delightful pansy design in the beading, and on the right an amazing, sparkling orange.  Notice the silver frame on the orange wristlet, with the kiss clasp.  I'm a big bag girl, but I just love this artistry.

Back again to the drawstring opening on this exquisite silver and gold pocket purse.

Proud peacock art in this striking Whiting and Davis, again with a silver frame and kiss clasp.  This purse in the collection was really in excellent condition for being almost 90 years old.

Here's an intricate, abstract design that almost leaning toward the art deco of that era.  You see again the typical framing, but this time in a gold metal.

This well loved dear has seen better days, faded now from its glories and outings.  If only it could talk and tell of the many adventures its seen.

A mesh floral bouquet.  You can almost catch the pretty scent in the air.  Unfortunately the hanging trim is a bit worn and a little missing, but still a pretty display.

As Whiting and Davis continued through to the Fifties.  And the company still thrives today as you can see at this link  

Now we're really starting to see some tendencies to art deco.  This isn't Whiting and Davis though.  This is a French metal beaded with a brass frame.

This one isn't a Whiting and Davis either.  This is enameled metal mesh by Mandalian Manufacturing Company.  The co-founder of the company was Sahatiel Mandalian of Turkish heritage and so you can see his product was influenced by a Turkish design from his heritage.

Another enameled mesh, this one with a gorgeous trim and an embellished gold framing.

Couldn't resist ending with this very different Whiting and Davis.  This one is more recent, from the 1950's.  Despite the look, this isn't beading.  It's a metal woven "alumesh" that is a trade name for a light weight metal beadlike material.  A different look.  The framing idea is their typical, and with the kiss clasp, but the enameling adds a nice accent.