Whiting & Davis Black Mesh Envelope Clutch with Chain Strap
Envelope Clutch / Crossbody · Whiting & Davis (Founded 1876); a premier heritage brand known for its signature metal mesh. Classified as accessible luxury or high-end vintage costume accessory.
Collection: Heritage Mesh Collection; likely a permanent evening wear line from the late 20th century.
Style
Envelope Clutch / Crossbody
Brand
Whiting & Davis (Founded 1876); a premier heritage brand known for its signature metal mesh. Classified as accessible luxury or high-end vintage costume accessory.
Material
Signature brass flat mesh (glomesh) with a baked enamel finish. Constructed through a machine-link process that creates a fluid, fabric-like metal textile. The bag features a structured frame and soft body.
Dimensions
Estimated Width: 25cm (10in); Height: 15cm (6in); Depth: 3cm (1.2in); Strap Drop: 55cm (22in). Fits the 'Medium Clutch' size variant.
Description
This Whiting & Davis evening bag is a masterclass in textures. It features the brand's legendary metal mesh in a sophisticated midnight black, giving it a liquid-like drape and a subtle, dark shimmer. The front flap is weighted by a unique, curved metal plate that provides a modern, architectural silhouette. It is a versatile piece that bridges the gap between vintage charm and contemporary minimalism, functioning perfectly as both a shoulder bag and a formal clutch.
Key Features
Fluid metal mesh body, distinctive wave-patterned metal trim on the flap, and the signature 'Whiting & Davis' feel where metal mimics the movement of silk.
Material & Construction
Signature brass flat mesh (glomesh) with a baked enamel finish. Constructed through a machine-link process that creates a fluid, fabric-like metal textile. The bag features a structured frame and soft body.
Color & Pattern
Jet Black enamel coating on the metal links. The pattern is the brand's classic 'mesh' weave which creates a textured, multidimensional honeycomb-like appearance.
Hardware Details
Tonal black enamel and silver-tone trim. Features a wave-contoured metal frame on the flap and a thin, serpentine black enameled chain strap. Hardware is typically finished with high-durability coating to prevent chipping.
Interior Description
Typically lined in black grosgrain or satin fabric. Usually contains a single slim slip pocket with a stitched brand label (gold or silver foil stamp on silk). Capacity is designed for evening essentials (phone, lipstick, cards).
Closure Type
Magnetic snap closure hidden beneath the decorative wave-shaped frame of the front flap.
Strap & Handle Details
Includes a slender, non-adjustable crossbody chain. Many Whiting & Davis models from this era feature a 'tuck-away' design where the chain can be folded into the bag to convert it into a hand-held clutch.
Craftsmanship Details
Link-by-link assembly ensures fluid movement. The enamel coating is baked on to ensure longevity. Edge finishing on the frame is smooth with no jagged metal parts, reflecting high-quality production standards.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the mesh links (perfectly horizontal and vertical), thickness/weight of the metal (heavy vs. plastic replicas), and the specific 'wave' design. Authentic pieces will have a brand tag inside and often a 'Whiting & Davis' stamp on the hardware frame or snap.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Made in the USA (Plainville, Massachusetts) or imported under Whiting & Davis strict quality standards. Known for high-quality metal soldering and enamel dipping.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s). The sleek, wave-shaped hardware and monochromatic black finish are characteristic of the 'Power Dressing' and minimalist cocktail aesthetics of this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985–1995. Based on the specific sleekness of the frame and the use of the black enamel chain which became popular in late 80s evening wear.
Cultural Significance
Represented the pinnacle of 'affordable' Hollywood glamor. These bags were the go-to evening accessories for celebrities from the silent film era through the Studio System era, and saw a massive revival in the 80s disco and cocktail scene.
Condition Notes
Excellent Vintage Condition. Exterior mesh links appear intact with no missing scales. Minimal scuffing on the black enamel frame. The chain shows no significant paint loss. Interior appears clean with no visible tearing.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD on the secondary market. Value increases if the original box and 'authenticity' card are present.
Care & Maintenance
Store in its dust bag to avoid snagging the links on other clothing. Clean the mesh with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap; avoid harsh chemicals that can strip the enamel. Do not overstuff, as this can stretch the metal links over time.
Similar Handbags
GloMesh (Australian competitor), vintage Mesh bags by Oroton, or the mesh pieces from Paco Rabanne (which are more avant-garde and expensive).
Interesting Facts
Whiting & Davis is the oldest handbag company in the U.S. Their mesh has been used for everything from flapper dresses in the 1920s to shark-proof suits for divers and even industrial safety gear.