Make: Whiting & Davis (North Attleboro, Massachusetts)
Age: Mid to Late 1920s
Construction: Enameled Metal Mesh, Silver-Tone Metal Frame
Dimensions: 4 1/4" Long (8 1/2" Long W/ Handle & Chain) x 4 3/4" Wide
Condition: Very good pre-owned vintage condition. Some of the metal mesh has begun to oxidize. Some discoloration of frame and chain. Please see photos.
Details: Small square-shaped bag with floral embossed silver-tone metal frame and metal mesh body. Frame embossed with scrolling curves and central floral motif, closing with a kiss clasp. Twisted metal link chain handle attached to frame. Body of bag composed of small, enameled metal plates connected by metal wire rings. Decorative enamel design in ivory, brown and pink. Lined with cotton buckram and ivory silk. The silk is breaking down due to age. Inside of frame stamped "WHITING & DAVIS MESH BAGS".
Wade Davis & Company was formed in Massachusetts in 1876. Four years later, Charles Whiting joined the company at age 16, working his way up through the ranks. In 1892, Mr. Whiting designed the first metal mesh bag, the mesh made of hand-wrought rings. He and Mr. Davis joined forces to form the company Whiting & Davis in 1896. In 1912, a machine to make the mesh was invented. Through advertising and automation, Whiting & Davis become the world leaders in the manufacture of mesh bags, and remain so today.
