The AEAA is very pleased to present this gorgeous pair of ca. 1915-1925 signed Whiting & Davis gold mesh purses. The first is a lovely classic rectangular shape with the signature dual sapphire acorn cabochon clasp. The second is a wider flapper base mesh with a unique depress button and pull tab open / close rim. Both are in VG condition with minor cleanable stains. The total weight is 7 oz., and the gold flapper purse is measured for reference at 5.5 x 7.75 x .25 inches thick. These wonderful heirlooms are form the living estate of Ailene & Buddy Ford, lifelong collectors / dealers of fine antiques. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. In 1876, Wade Davis & Company, the precursor to Whiting & Davis, is founded by William H. Wade, Edward P. Davis and Louis Heckman in a small town just outside of Boston,Massachusetts. Charles Whiting joins the company in 1880 at age 16, and is paid $.9 per hour, but swiftly moves up the ranks to management. In 1896, he and Mr. Davis form a partnership and raise the money to purchase the company, renaming it The Whiting & Davis Company. In 1892 Mr. Whiting designs the first mesh bag, with all rings formed and joined by hand. By 1912 a machine is invented to automate the mesh making process. In the teens and early 1920s, Whiting & Davis bags are made of small precious metal rings and are unpainted for the most part, their striking designs coming from a mixture of metal colors, artfully joined rings and metal fringe. By the end of the 1920s, flat Armor mesh painted in bold Deco designs and Dresden mesh, with its tiny rings silk-screened by hand in dreamy Impressionistic shades, take center stage. Whiting & Davis beautiful, high quality purses are the coveted accessory of flappers, actresses and well dressed women everywhere. The 1930s bring high-profile collaborations with iconic designers Paul Poiret and Elsa Schiaparelli, while Whiting & Davis’ famed creations continue to turn up in the hands of stage and screen actresses of the era. Through automation and advertising, the company expanded its reach, becoming, and remaining to this day, the worlds leading manufacturer of fashionable ladies mesh handbags.In 1876, Wade Davis & Company, the precursor to Whiting & Davis, is founded by William H. Wade, Edward P. Davis and Louis Heckman in Massachusetts. Charles Whiting joins the company in 1880 at age 16 and swiftly moves up the ranks to management. In 1896, he and Mr. Davis form a partnership and raise the money to purchase the company, renaming it The Whiting & Davis Company. In 1892 Mr. Whiting designs the first mesh bag, with all rings formed and joined by hand. By 1912 a machine is invented to automate the mesh making process. In the teens and early ‘20s, Whiting & Davis bags are made of small precious metal rings and are unpainted for the most part, their striking designs coming from a mixture of metal colors, artfully joined rings and metal fringe. By the end of the 1920s, flat Armor mesh painted in bold Deco designs and Dresden mesh, with its tiny rings silk-screened by hand in dreamy Impressionistic shades, take center stage. Whiting & Davis beautiful, high quality purses are the coveted accessory of flappers, actresses and well dressed women everywhere. The 1930s bring high-profile collaborations with iconic designers Paul Poiret and Elsa Schiaparelli, while Whiting & Davis’ famed creations continue to turn up in the hands of stage and screen actresses of the era. Throughautomation and advertising, the company expands its reach, becoming, and remaining to this day, the worlds leading mesh handbag manufacturer.

XA-MM107 - #1 is very good condition with minor stains / #2 is in excellent condition