Whiting & Davis Expanding Gate Frame Mesh Beggar's Bag (Miser's Purse)
Minaudière / Pouch (Accordion Baguette) · Whiting & Davis, the premier American manufacturer of metal mesh bags since 1876. They are considered the gold standard for high-end metal mesh accessories.
Collection: Standard Mesh Mesh Collection; historically referred to as a Beggar's Bag or Gate-Top Miser's Purse. This specific design was a permanent staple of the early 20th-century catalog.
Style
Minaudière / Pouch (Accordion Baguette)
Brand
Whiting & Davis, the premier American manufacturer of metal mesh bags since 1876. They are considered the gold standard for high-end metal mesh accessories.
Material
Armor Mesh (flat circular metal links) connected by small rings. The frame is a collapsible metal 'gate' mechanism that expands and contracts like an accordion.
Dimensions
Width: 10-12 cm (collapsed), Height: 15-18 cm (including handles), Strap Drop: 2-3 cm (rings), Depth: Variable due to fluid mesh construction.
Description
An exquisite example of Art Deco evening-wear, this Whiting & Davis 'Beggar's Bag' features a fluid armor mesh body that drapes beautifully. The hallmark of this design is the expanding accordion-style metal frame, which opens wide to reveal the interior and collapses tightly for a sleek silhouette. Topped with a decorative embossed cap and finger rings, it represents the height of early 20th-century socialite fashion.
Key Features
The expanding gate-top mechanism is the primary identifier. The use of 'Armor Mesh' (flat discs) rather than 'Ring Mesh' or 'Screen Mesh' is also a defining characteristic of this specific vintage model.
Material & Construction
Armor Mesh (flat circular metal links) connected by small rings. The frame is a collapsible metal 'gate' mechanism that expands and contracts like an accordion.
Color & Pattern
Antique Gold / Brass tone. The mesh features a solid honeycomb-like pattern created by the interlocking circular metal tiles. The finish has developed a subtle aged patina.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone metal hardware. Features an intricate 'gate' closure consisting of hinged vertical bars and a floral/scroll-work embossed round decorative cap. Two large ring handles are attached to the gate mechanism.
Interior Description
Unlined or silk-lined (typical for the era). In this photo, the interior is not fully visible, but these classic models often featured a peach or cream silk lining that may shatter over time.
Closure Type
Expanding Gate / Accordion closure. The top features a round cap that snaps shut or sits atop the collapsed gate mechanism to secure the contents.
Strap & Handle Details
Dual circular metal finger rings attached to the top of the expandable frame, designed to be carried by hand or slid over one or two fingers.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision assembly of the gate frame; each individual mesh tile is linked to four neighbors, creating a fabric-like movement out of solid metal. The embossing on the lid shows high-relief detail typical of early machine-tooling.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of the mesh tiles, the high-quality embossing on the decorative top cap, and the specific mechanical feel of the gate frame. Genuine Whiting & Davis pieces from this era often have a stamp on the interior underside of the cap or frame.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA (Plainville, Massachusetts). Whiting & Davis is renowned for their proprietary mesh-weaving machines and high-quality metal plating standards.
Era & Period
Art Deco / Edwardian Era (roughly 1910s–1930s). The gate-top Miser's Bag reached peak popularity during the Flapper era for evening wear.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920s–1940s based on the gate frame style and the specific ring-handle configuration.
Cultural Significance
These bags were essential accessories for the 'Bright Young Things' of the 1920s. They symbolize the transition from Victorian modesty to the more flamboyant, dance-oriented lifestyle of the Jazz Age.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. No missing mesh tiles are immediately visible. The metal shows minor oxidation and tarnishing consistent with age. The gate mechanism appears intact, though gate hinges can become stiff over time.
Value Estimate
$75 - $175 USD depending on the integrity of the lining and the smoothness of the gate mechanism. Collectors pay premiums for bags with original silk linings and mirrors.
Care & Maintenance
Store flat in a cotton dust bag; do not hang as the weight can stretch the mesh. Clean with a very soft, dry toothbrush. Avoid chemical cleaners which can strip the vintage plating.
Similar Handbags
Mandalian Mfg. Co. mesh bags (often enameled), mesh miser purses without gate tops, and modern versions by Paco Rabanne which use similar metal-link tech.
Interesting Facts
The design is called a 'Beggar's Bag' because the wide-opening gate frame resembles the open mouth of a pouch used to collect alms. Whiting & Davis mesh was so durable it was actually used to make shark-proof suits and flak jackets during WWII.