Vintage Whiting & Davis Mesh Kiss-lock Coin Purse in Black/Gold
Coin Purse / Pouch / Minaudière Accessory · Whiting & Davis (Established 1876), Heritage Brand, Tier: Mid-market/Collectible Vintage. Known for high-quality metal mesh craftsmanship.
Collection: Heritage Metal Mesh Collection; likely a permanent staple accessory in their catalog during the mid-20th century.
Style
Coin Purse / Pouch / Minaudière Accessory
Brand
Whiting & Davis (Established 1876), Heritage Brand, Tier: Mid-market/Collectible Vintage. Known for high-quality metal mesh craftsmanship.
Material
Construction features the brand's signature metal mesh (ring mesh or armor mesh) exterior with a machine-stitched fabric lining and a tension-mounted metal frame.
Dimensions
Estimated Width: 3.5 inches (9 cm); Height: 2.5 inches (6 cm); Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm). Small accessory/pocket scale.
Description
This charming vintage Whiting & Davis coin purse represents the height of mid-century accessory design. Known for their 'shimmering mesh,' the brand became a favorite for evening bags and everyday accessories. This piece features a classic black mesh exterior that contrasts beautifully with a whimsical, hidden interior lining—a hallmark of quality vintage pieces where the hidden details are as important as the exterior.
Key Features
Signature metal mesh exterior; unique 'poodle and crown' printed lining; decorative fan-shaped clasp; Whiting & Davis interior branding (though partially obscured, the print is diagnostic).
Material & Construction
Construction features the brand's signature metal mesh (ring mesh or armor mesh) exterior with a machine-stitched fabric lining and a tension-mounted metal frame.
Color & Pattern
Exterior is black (either painted mesh or black metal); Interior features a black fabric lining with a metallic gold pattern of crowns and poodle-like animals (likely the 'Crown and Poodle' novelty print).
Hardware Details
Gold-tone metal frame with a decorative 'arch' or 'fan' style kiss-lock clasp. Note visible signs of plating wear and oxidation due to age (patina/tarnish).
Interior Description
Black silk or satin-blend lining with gold-stamp decorative motifs. Open compartment with no additional pockets. Evidence of fading and minor dust.
Closure Type
Tension-style Kiss-lock clasp; two metal pieces that snap past each other to secure the frame.
Strap & Handle Details
No strap or handle; handheld coin pouch designed to be carried inside a larger handbag.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-pressed metal frame with hand-set mesh attachment. Lining is sewn with tight, industrial stitches. The mesh is supple, mimicking the drape of fabric, which is the brand's primary technical achievement.
Authentication Indicators
The specific crown/animal lining print is a known historical motif used by Whiting & Davis; the metal mesh construction is distinct from lower-quality replicas of the era; the frame weight and hinge style are consistent with US-made mid-century goods.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin: United States (Plainville, Massachusetts). Whiting & Davis is the oldest manufacturer of handbags in the USA.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / 1950s-1960s Era. Novelty prints like crowns and poodles were highly popular in accessory linings during this post-war period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the style of the kiss-lock clasp, the novelty lining print, and the wear on the gold plating.
Cultural Significance
Whiting & Davis bags were icons of the 1920s Flapper era and saw a massive resurgence in the 1950s as symbols of cocktail-culture elegance. They represent a bridge between industrial metalwork and feminine fashion.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good Condition. Exterior frame shows significant plating loss and tarnish. Lining shows signs of fading but remains intact. Frame tension remains functional.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges from $25 - $45 USD. Value is driven by the collectibility of the novelty lining, though condition of the frame plating limits the top-end price.
Care & Maintenance
Clean mesh with a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water; dry immediately to prevent rust. Store in a soft cloth pouch; do not use harsh metal polish which may strip the remaining plating.
Similar Handbags
Vintage Mesh bags by Mandalian Mfg. Co. (known for painted enameled mesh) or contemporary mesh bags by Paco Rabanne.
Interesting Facts
Whiting & Davis mesh has been used in everything from high-fashion dresses for celebrities like Cher to protective stainless steel gloves for butchers/shark handlers.