Browse by Designer

Browse by Era

Newsletter

Subscribe to the Morning Glory Newsletter for articles all about jewelry. Unsubscribe anytime.

Purses

You are on a reference page of Morning Glory Antiques & Jewelry. These items were photographed from private collections, and are for reference only.

Jewelry that we have available TO BUY can be accessed by clicking HERE

Morning Glory Collects…

things we love to buy, wear and share
PURSES





Lovely lady with a leather
purse attached with a chatelaine clip at her waist.

The photograph of this stylish couple was taken
in about 1920, and if you look closely, you will see that she carries a
leather Arts & Crafts purse.

These beautiful little girls are all dressed for a
wedding. They both carry softly shirred bags made to match their gowns.

PURSES & HANDBAGS
Purses come in almost as many styles, colors and sizes
as women do themselves! And women collect them for various reasons as well. Some
like the materials they from which they are made, some the way their colors
set off an outfit, and some for all the little fittings inside. Pouches in
which to carry necessities may go back as far or farther even than clothing.
Whether they are home or factory made, carried in the hand or over a
shoulder, expensive or roughly crafted, they are a wonderful indication of a
woman’s personal style.

BEADED BAGS
Glass beads have decorated personal ornaments for
hundreds of years and the range of colors and designs is almost infinite.
Floral, figural, scenic … all are collectible. Most glass beads came
from France, Italy, Czechoslovakia and Germany. Purses were made both
professionally and as a home craft.




VICTORIAN glass beaded bag reticule or purse featuring a figure, landscape and floral design,
6" by 8′ with 1" fringe and soft blue silk gather and drawstring.
The bottom section holds a tiny red house, a leafy tree and a female
character wearing a blue dress and a white apron. The roses and floral bands
are separated by sawtooth bands, and the bottom fringe is a multi-colored
bead twist. See other reticule purses in Haertig’s "More Beautiful
Purses" on pages 188. View
View
View
View #P32282
VICTORIAN beaded purse with pink roses and floral wreath design on a
lavender and honey tan background, silver tone embossed frame with birds on
either side of a central cartouche, 10" by 7" with as is 2"
tassel, 24" chain. View
View
View
View
View #P32279
VICTORIAN glass beaded purse with black background, golden medallions with
roses, grapes and flowers, body as is, body 6-3/4" by 6-3/4" with 2" fringe.
View
View
View #P32283



BEADED 6-1/2" by 10-1/2"
purse with red and pink roses on a black background with green and golden
colored accents. Excellent condition
with no flaws or missing beads on the outside, but one 1-1/4"
straight slit in the
inside green lining. Handle is 16". Approximately 14 beads to the
inch.
View
View #P22083


VICTORIAN
"Made in Germany" glass
beaded leaf motif purse in gorgeous colors of red, aqua, green, brown
and topaz on a cream background, 5" by 9-1/4". There is no lining
remaining, but the original tag is inside on a thread. Also inside the
purse about half of one side of the top portion has been re-stitched to
the fabric liner (see in the picture) but it is not visible from the
outside. The lovely fringe is intact, and there are two aqua glass
cabochons on the snap closure.
View
View
View
View
View
View
View #P28878

BEADED 6-3/4"
by 11-5/8" purse with richly colored Persian rug designs. The frame is a
fabulous black molded plastic cameo and flowers, and the handle is a layered
multi-colored 16" plastic chain. The inside lining is original but frayed. Approximately 17
beads to the inch.
View
View
View #P20175



FRENCH multi colored glass beaded bag
wreath pattern, 12" by 8". Interior lining has ribbon flower
edging. View
#P20966

BEADED
pouch purse with a version of the
Cross of
Lorraine
and a
romantic handwritten World War I note from a soldier at the front inside
dated 1918. This is 18 inches from top to bottom of fringe.
View
View
View
View
View View
#P20960

FRENCH pouch bag with sterling frame and
fine glass beads in purple grapes and vines motif on gold background, 7"
by 12", clasp has amethyst-colored cabochons.
View
View #P20967




PURSE aqua and
silvery glass seed bead purse with loop closure handle, 5" body with 2-3/4"
tassel, 4" looped handle.
View
View #P28606

PURSE cobalt
blue glass seed bead with black, brown, burgundy, sage and lavender
design drawstring purse, 7-1/2" by 10′ with 12" handle.
View
View
View #P28607

PURSE brown glass
seed bead crocheted drawstring purse, 5-1/2" by 7-1/2" with 12" handles.
View
View
View #P28608




Victorian lady with a beaded bag, an unusual accessory to able to see so
well in pictures of that time.
PURSE glass seed
beaded purse with a lovely peacock in a garden motif on both sides, lining
replaced, beautiful twisted fringe, 6-2/3" by 11" .
View
View #P16715
PURSE Designs by Asly purse with purple, blue, green aurora borealis bugle beads in a peacock
feather design purse, silver tone and clear rhinestone frame 5-1/2", body 8" by 4-1/2", bottom fringe 4". It
is very unusual to see a peacock feather motif on a purse this shape, rather
than the more usual long rectangular purse.
View
View
View #P32278




PURSE cream glass beaded purse
with wonderful and colorful flowers both front and back. The body is
cream which beautifully sets off the multi-hued garden of flowers. The
figural silver tone
frame shows cherubs harvesting fruit in an orchard.
View
View
View
View
View #P36698

PURSE black
satin purse with sequins and artificial pearls, 5" by 3-1/2" by 1-1/2". The
double handle is 16" long. Inside are mirrors, powder rouge and lipstick
compartments, but no lipstick tube. View
View
View #P17449


PURSE
in blue, silvery and pink glass beads in a patriotic stars center and flowers
frame motif. It is rippled and the inside of this is worn and frail so it can only be used as a
display piece, but what great graphics it has to
use that way! View
View
View
View
View #P36699



JOSEFF beautifully embroidered
and beaded purse. Wonderful colors and workmanship.
View #PSh

VICTORIAN
floral motif glass bead purse with a floral fantasy of mums, foxglove, ferns and
leaves, all on a background of teals, blues and caramel. The purse is a total
length of 12" and 7-1/2" wide, the fringe is 1-3/4" and the chain is 16". The
silver metal frame is liberally decorated with embossed basket, fruits and
flowers, just gorgeous. The lining is a sage green but it has shredded some with
age. The beads are colorful and small enough that it almost looks like a petit
point purse. As can be seen in the photo, there are beads that have come off the
bottom fringe on the right side, some of which I still have.

View


View


View


View


View
#P37629

CUT STEEL BEADED BAGS
Cut steel beads come in different sizes and colors and
their shimmering subtle colors and intricate designs are the
hallmark of these wonderful purses. Made in both Europe and the United
States, they are usually framed in gilt base metal or plate. French cut
steel bags are particularly desirable.





BASKET
or urn of flowers and grapes design steel beaded purse with jeweled and enameled frame set with aqua
cabochons and blue rhinestones and green and white enamel work. The beads are reflective and very lovely.
The purse body is 9" long including the fringe and it is 5-1/2"
wide . Lining is
intact though very slightly soiled, and is trimmed with tiny ribbon flowers.
Included inside are a sewn in matching mirror and coin purse with a snap
closure. The silver
tone frame is either antiqued or slightly worn.

View


View


View


View


View


View
#P20422

MADE IN FRANCE
beaded purse with aluminum beads in pink, gold and silver tone with
bronze tone accents, a wonderful glittering surface. The gold metal
frame has a wheat edge with a dental and floral swag face and back. The
purse is 11" long including the fringe by 6-1/2" wide. Inside is a
golden fabric lining in good vintage condition and a mirror in a
matching packet. The layered and intricate fringe adds so much to this
beautiful design. A tag inside says "Made in France".
View
View
View #P28877

MADE IN FRANCE large labeled
fine carpet pattern large aluminum beaded bag, a large size from the
very early 20th century. The tiny beads are silver
and gold tone with accents in rose, gray and sage green. The gold tone
metal frame is embossed with leaves, berries and flowers. The colors, design and
quality are spectacular. It has a faded tag inside tat says "M…
Paris France" but the makers name is almost illegible, and it is 11-3/4"
long and 7-1/3" wide, with the double chain handle 14" long. Two
of the bottom fringes are missing, and the inside lining is shredded but
otherwise it is in very good condition and would be perfect for display.

View


View


View


View


View
#P20965




FRENCH DECO gold and silver colored cut
steel beaded bag with an amber stone clasp accented with topaz-colored
rhinestones, 6" by 8-1/4" with a delicate pink lining. The
geometric bottom enhances the overall design of the purse. A
design very similar to this can be seen in Evelyn Haertig’s "More
Beautiful Purses" on page 247, top left. View
View
View #P20968


STEEL BEADED
handbag with subtle metallic coloring, 5-1/2" by 9-1/2".
Soft sage green lining is intact
View
View
View
View
View
#P16678

CUT STEEL beaded
carpet pattern bag with lovely fringed bottom, 8-1/2" by 4-3/4", no lining
and reinforcing stitching on the inside at each corner (see pictures). A
design very similar to this can be seen in Evelyn Haertig’s "More
Beautiful Purses" on page 247
View
View
View #P25905



PURSE
cut steel bead purse with double chain strap, 5-1/4" by 7".
View
View
View
#P28491

FRENCH steel cut beaded carpet
pattern bag, 4" by 6-2/3". View
View #P20970


PURSE
steel metallic beaded purse in silver and gold beads with green
accents, lining as is, 4-1/2 by 6-1/2".
View

View
View #P16678A







CHATELAINE PURSE
Marked "F&N Co" inside., with a silver plated frame,
silver faceted beads and a leather back, originally worn on a chatelaine,
circa 1900, 5" by 8". A purse almost identical to this can be seen in
Roseann Ettinger’s "Handbags" on page 32 and in Evelyn Haertig’s
"More Beautiful Purses" on page 136.
View
View
View #P20992


GORHAM
sterling purse chatelaine, 2-1/8".
View
View
View Purse shown with belt clip attached. #a24991

PURSE Art Nouveau
frame circa 1900 steel cut bead round purse with fringe as is, 6-1/2" with 6" chain, lady
face belt chatelaine, 2". A similar purse can be seen in Roseann Ettinger’s "Handbags" on page 32 and in Evelyn Haertig’s
"More Beautiful Purses" on page 136.
View
View
View
View #P28603




VICTORIAN ladies and
chatelaine their
purses. View

FRENCH cut steel square pouch with basket design,
geometric and lattice border. View #P20969

LADY with wide brimmed hat, umbrella and purse.





VICTORIAN
green knitted and cut steel purse, body with fringe 3-1/3" by
2-1/2", total chain length 5-7/8". I photographed this laying down so the beads
wouldn’t stay in place, rolling around so it is hard to see that they are all in
place, but they are. I have a friend who collects only these smaller sized
purses and they do make a wonderful display.

View


View
#V37764

A

GROUP
of these mini-sized purses hung on a wall or in a vintage
frame makes a wonderful collection for a smaller space. #P37764

VICTORIAN cut steel
chatelaine purse in very dark brown velvet with cut steel frame, chain
and faceted beads, cut steel beaded tassel, total length from the top of
the chatelaine hook is 7-1/2" and it is 3-1/4" wide.
View
View
View
View
View #P37223




1928 Otto Young Catalogue page 472

1928 Otto Young Catalogue page 473

1928 Otto Young Catalogue page 374

MESH PURSES
While mesh bags were hand made in the 1800’s, the
invention of the mesh making machine in 1909 made them more readily
available. There are many types of mesh, some of which are: ring mesh;
Dresden mesh; baby mesh; fish scale mesh; and enameled mesh. Mesh bags
are still made and used today.




WHITING DAVIS baby mesh purse
with a circle of pink roses design, circa 1930. The gold tone Deco style
frame has a stepped and pierced design, quite lovely. The purse itself is in
good vintage condition, but there are a few chain fringes missing from the
bottom and the soft green fabric lining is badly frayed on the inside. The purse is
9-1/2" long by 5" wide with a 15" handle.


A similar purse can be seen in the

1932 Denver Jeweler’s Buying Guide
catalogue. While mesh bags were hand made in the 1800’s, the invention of
the mesh making machine in 1909 made them more readily available.

View


View


View


View


View
#P27810


WHITING DAVIS
baby mesh purse, child sized at 3-3/4" by 5-1/2".
This has a lovely soft floral motif and a gold tone metal frame.
View #P25407

WHITING DAVIS Dresden purse,
crochet looking bottom fringe, 5" by 7-1/2". Nice soft
colors and with a silver tone metal frame.
View #P25405






WHITING DAVIS
Deco style Dresden enamel mesh purse with floral design, pink
silk lining that is in very good condition and gold metal Deco frame. It is
circa 1930, 8" long from the top of the frame to the bottom of the triangles and
5" wide with 12" handle. The lining is also in excellent vintage condition. This
purse is in the

1932 Denver
Jeweler’s Buying Guide


HERE
. A similar purse can be seen in "A
Passion for Purses" by Higgins & Blaser on page 28.

View


View


View


View


View
View
#P32551


WHITING DAVIS
mesh bags, "hand in hand with fashion."

1932 Denver Jeweler’s Buying Guide

WHITING DAVIS Deco framed
colorful baby mesh purse, 5" by 7-1/2".
View
View #Pwin





WHITING DAVIS
"Dresden enamel soldered mesh bag, silk lining and mirror,
enamel frame and chain, 4" wide".

1932 Denver Jeweler’s Buying Guide


WHITING DAVIS
Dresden enamel baby mesh purse with pink silk lining,
including a pocket, and a small round mirror, gold colored metal frame
and chain handle, circa 1930. The gold, crimson and black colors are
accented with blue. The purse has a 7-1/2" by 5" body, and the lining is
in good condition with only about a 1/3" piece of lining open at one
corner. The frame and body are in excellent condition.
The frame has a trailing leaves motif, very classic. A similar purse is
in the

1932 Denver Jeweler’s Buying Guide
catalogue. While mesh bags were hand made in the 1800’s, the invention
of the mesh making machine in 1909 made them more readily available.
There are many types of mesh, some of which are: ring mesh; Dresden
mesh; baby mesh; fish scale mesh; and enameled mesh.
View

View
View #P22625

WHITING DAVIS
"Dresden enamel soldered mesh bag, silk lining and mirror, enamel frame and
chain, 5" wide".

1932 Denver Jeweler’s Buying Guide





WHITING DAVIS
mesh purses.
Denver Jewelers Buying Guide, 1932


WHITING DAVIS
Dresden enamel baby
mesh purse with Deco style stepped gold tone frame, circa 1930, 6-1/4" long
from the top of the catch to the bottom triangles by 4" wide with a 12" chain.
It comes with a matching 2-1/4" gold color round mirror. The lining is also in excellent
vintage
condition with only slight fading. The Whiting Davis mark is on the frame
on the inside. A catalogue showing a purse like this can be
seen in the 1932 Denver Jewelers Buying Guide.

View


View


View


View


View


View


View


View
#P26657

WHITING DAVIS mesh
purses.
Denver Jewelers Buying Guide, 1932





CLASSIC
silver mesh purse with kid lining, 6-1/2" by 6".
For some reason, the lining is made to go only half way down the depth of
the purse, and that is the ripple you see in the picture.
View #V35933


WHITING DAVIS
mesh purse, 6-3/4" by 5", handle 12".
View
View
View
View #P32564

WHITING DAVIS Deco mesh purse
in salmon, blue, tan and green with enameled frame, marked inside with the
WD logo and "Whiting Davis Mesh Bags Co", 5" by 6-1/4". Wonderful graphics,
circa 1930. View
View
View #P36999




WHITING DAVIS baby mesh purse,
4" by 5" in soft lovely colors, and includes a small round mirror inside.
View
View #P21231

WHITING DAVIS mesh bag,
"Dresden enamel soldered mesh bag, silk lining and mirror, 4" wide."
Denver Jewelers Buying Guide, 1932

WHITING DAVIS baby mesh purse,
rose, burnt melon, blue on gray background, lined, 4" by 5-1/2".
View #P26049




WHITING DAVIS
mesh bag, "Dresden enamel soldered mesh bag, silk lining and mirror,
5" wide."
Denver Jewelers Buying Guide, 1932

WHITING DAVIS
baby mesh purse in gray, blue, rose, blue and green, 4" by 6-1/2". the gold
tone frame is stylized flowers and scrolls in a Deco style, circa 1930. There are 4
stitches dropped beside one hinge. Wonderful color illustrations of these
mesh bags can be seen in the 1932 Denver
Jeweler’s Buying Guide
.
View
View
#P24760

WHITING DAVIS Dresden mesh purse
in soft grayed colors, 4" by 6-3/4".
View #P24990




PURSE Made in
Germany baby mesh purse in gray, rose pink, blue and green. View
View
View #P28765
Queenie Leighton, British Music Hall Star of the late 1800s and early
1900s. Note her mesh purse, pinned on at her waist.

WHITING DAVIS
baby mesh purse, yellow blue & gray, 4" by 6-1/4", with
original mirror. View
#P25406




WHITING DAVIS painted mesh purse in brown, apricot cream and black with
Deco black and silver frame, 5" by 6-1/2" 14" chain.
View
View #P24843

PAINTED MESH purse in purple, red and deep yellow on a cream ground, excellent mesh
condition, 3-3/4" wide and 7" long. The frame is a lovely embossed floral,
lattice and scroll pattern. Two links are dropped under each hinge.
View
View
View #24761

WHITING DAVIS
painted mesh purse with cream background and pink. black and green design, 6-1/3" by 4" wide. #P23210



MANDALIAN aqua, yellow and white mesh purse, 8-1/4" by
4-1/2". The frame has light wear and a lovely embossed basket motif. View
View
View #P32339

WHITING DAVIS Deco painted mesh purse with floral design in geometric
border, 8" by 5" with 15" chain. View
View
View
View #P32284
WHITING DAVIS
black and cream metallic enameled mesh purse, 7" by 3-3/4" with 12"
handle.
View
View #P23825



PURSE enameled
mesh 7-1/2" by 4" wide with aqua enameled drops across the bottom. The
lining is present but coming unstitched from the frame inside, and a few links are loose
at each hinge. View
View #P20295

PURSE Deco cream, pink and blue
painted mesh purse with drops, basket motif on
silver tone frame, 8" by 4-1/2".
View
View
View #P32263

PAINTED
mesh floral purse in cream, pink and green, 7-1/2" by 5" with a 16"
chain handle. Two tiny links are dropped under one hinge and three under the
other. View
View
View #P26389




PURSE Whiting Davis painted mesh
Deco Flapper purse with gray background and orange, blue, yellow and green Deco
design, enameled orange and blue frame, 7" by 5".
View
View
View #P37052

PURSE Whiting Davis
painted mesh Deco Flapper purse with floral center, colors include plum,
pink, tan, black, baby blue and gold, matter gold tone frame with floral
design, 8-1/2" by 4-5/8".
View
View
View
View #P37053

PURSE Whiting Davis painted mesh
Deco Flapper purse in gold tone with painted white and tan links, gold tone
frame with classical urn, 6-1/2" by 3-3/4".
View
View #P37054




WHITING DAVIS Deco mesh purse in
gorgeous lavender, salmon, aqua, cream and yellow with a silver tone frame, both
"Whiting Davis" and "El-Sah" hang tags inside, circa 1930, 5" by 7".
View
View
View
View #P66247

WHITING DAVIS enameled mesh
purse in soft pale blue, orange and green, floral and scrolls frame in
silver tone, Deco circa 1920s, 6" by 3-1/3".
View
View
View
View #P37246


DECO mesh purse in aqua, gray and
cream, aqua enameled silver tone frame with aqua enameling, circa 1920s, 4" by
6". View
View
View #P66248




PURSE Lustro-Pearl pearlized
enameled mesh purse, there is a Mandalian "Gloria" bracelet purse with a frame
just like this, but this one has no marks at all, house in a landscape motif in
tan, gold, blues, Deco circa 1920s, 5 chains missing from the bottom so priced
as-is, 7-1/3" by 4-1/4". View
View
View #P37249

WHITING DAVIS enameled mesh
purse in aqua, black, green and pink on a cream background, frame is
enameled to match, Deco circa 1920s, 6-3/4" by 3-3/4" .
View
View
View
View #P37248

WHITING DAVIS Heritage
Collection 1986 pearlized enamel mesh purse in the loveliest colors of lavender,
aqua, blue, rose and gold, long gold tone chain handle, both inside cloth tag
and attached paper tag included, body 7-1/2" by 3-3/4", chain 40". This is in
mint never-used condition, really lovely.
View
View #P37245





WHITING DAVIS "Princess Mary" silver mesh fold over bag,
circa 1920, 3-7/8" by 4-1/2". Simple and elegant, this mesh is so fine it almost feels like
fabric. This purse is on page 442 of Haertig’s More Beautiful
Purses
. View
#P20974
ALPACA Rodi & Weinenberger
(German company, Pforzheim region)
1920s Deco silver mesh purse with balls, chains and tassels,
marked inside frame, 8-1/2"
by 7". View
View
View
View #V31338

GORHAM sterling hallmarked
1058B mesh purse, 4-3/4" by 4-1/4" with etched frame, 14" chain.
View

View #P24759




PURSE marked "WB patn June 4, 1918"; silver mesh arched frame bag with
coins front flap, 7" by 3".
View
View #P20976

PURSE sterling
mesh purse, marked with a butterfly? Hallmark, tiny "Agnes Campbell"
engraved on frame, 9" with 5" handle. A very similar purse can
be seen in Evelyn Haertig’s More Beautiful Purses on page 401.
View
View
View #P28604

PURSE silver mesh
heavy purse with hallmarks, foliate etched frame, zig-zag front ruffle, 8" by 8"
with 20" handle.
View
View #P28605


https://www.morninggloryantiques.com/imagesLZ/purses/purse41246.jpg


https://www.morninggloryantiques.com/imagesLZ/purses/purse41581.jpg


E A BLISS
purse made of soldered gold colored metal mesh with little blue glass tips on the closure, a paper
clip chain and no lining, 4-1/2" by 4-5/8".
View
#P41246

WHITING DAVIS unusual double
dance purse in silver plate, one purse is 5-1/2" long by 1-5/8" wide and the
other is 6" long and 6" wide at the widest, and one is signed "Whiting
Davis" in tiny letters along one side, some bottom chain missing.
View

View


View


View


View
#P41581




GERMANY gun metal gray
mesh purse, 5" by 4-1/2" with 13" chain handle.
View #P28499

PURSE mesh
gold tone compact/purse, body 7-1/2" by 3", handle 6", engraved on compact "EAG".
Tiny dangle opens compact when pulled downward. . A similar purse called the
"Picadilly" is on page 402 of Haertig’s "More Beautiful Purses".
View
View #P24300

FRANCE real gun metal mesh
purse with etched and pierced frame, 6-1/2" by 6-1/2" with 12" handle, two
tiny dropped links.
View
View #P50679




G.W. HUNTLEY Co. 1913 Catalogue page 214.
"High grade German silver and gun metal mesh bags."

G.W. HUNTLEY Co. 1913 Catalogue page 215.
"High grade German silver and gun metal mesh opera ." Purses with frames and
the draw string style.

G.W. HUNTLEY Co. 1913 Catalogue page213.
"Finest grade solid gold, sterling and German silver mesh bags."




WHITING DAVIS silver mesh purse with lacy edge, 7-1/2" by 4". Marked
inside the frame "Whiting Davis, Canada".
View
View
View
View #P32343

GOLD
TONE
mesh purse with clear rhinestones clasp, 6-1/4" by 5". View
View
View
#P21835

WHITING DAVIS
silver
mesh chatelaine purse. The motif on the hook is a classical urn, and
the 4-1/2" purse itself has twin blue glass clasps. The total length
is 9". View
View View
#P19533





PURSE
gold tone mesh purse with double compact top and cherubs motif,
View

View
View #P62711


WHITING DAVIS
"The Safeguard" silver mesh purse with
Cathedral frame, blue glass cabochons and a slide up catch. It
is marked inside the frame, "Whiting Davis Co., soldered mesh, pat-d
July 22,1913". The same purse can be seen in the 1923 Schwab Catalogue
on page 58

HERE
. There is a clever closure made with rings on either side of
the frame that slide through the grooves on the frame, keeping the purse
safely fastened when carried. A great accessory from the Roaring
Twenties!

View


View


Ad
#P38506

SILVER purse with fruit
and musical instruments design on frame, 6-3/4" by 5-1/4" with a 16" chain
handle, a few links re-stitched at both corners. The musical
instruments on the frame are an unusual motif, and beautifully done.
View
View
View #P33330

Thanks to a kind collector who emailed me, I have a bit of information
about the purse shown at the right. Mine has no marks, but she says this about her
purse:

"The mark on mine
is on the side of the clasp. Holding the bag with the dog’s tail on the left it
is stamped on the flat part of the clasp just to the right of the rivet that
hinges the clasp up and down. It says P.DRSMSt. DRSM stands for Deutsches
Reichsgebrauchsmuster and is a registration mark that started in 1890s and
continued to just after WWII. It seems to have provided basic copyright
protection for 3 years. I don’t know what the P and St mean. My purse is gold
tone and has a different fringe design (scalloped) but otherwise looks identical
to the one you have."




PURSE
silver tone mesh purse with a Scotty dog lift-up fastener at
the top and embossed flowers along the opening including roses, wild roses and
leaves, with a nice fringe at the bottom, 4-3/4" by 4-1/2". This opens in 4
segments as the photos show, and I have heard this called a "bracelet" opening.
Thanks to a kind collector who emailed
me, I think this is a German purse, possibly by "P.DRSMSt.". They operated from about the 1890s to the end of WWII.

View


View


View
#P37658


STERLING
silver Germany fine mesh purse with a chain handle
16" long. Marked inside the frame "sterling Germany" it is in excellent
condition. The fringe is a delicate lacy looking edging, just lovely. It
has a flap that folds over the front and a tab underneath with which to
open the purse with, 7" by 5-3/4". This is in excellent condition and
could be worn or displayed. What a beauty!
View


View
View

View
#P39442

NEEDLEPOINT and PETIT POINT
Needlepoint and it’s smaller-stitched cousin, petit
point, are both worked on a canvas or cloth backing, as opposed to tapestry
in which the stitches themselves create the fabric. The images and motifs are created by tiny
stitches and intricate coloring and jeweled and enameled frames often add to the
design. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, ladies "fancy work" included
the making of needlepoint and beaded bags, and illustrations and directions
could be found in ladies magazines of the time. Some of these bags were also
imported from Europe, especially Austria.




PETIT POINT purse 9 inches long and 7-1/2" wide
across the frame. Beautiful garden motif with many flowers and wonderful
colors, the frame is multi-chrome enameling and the chain handle is decorated with glass beads.
Inside lining is intact and accented with braided trim. View
View
View
View
View
View #P20987

AUSTRIA
petit point evening bag in a floral motif with
a central architectural cartouche and a pink and white enameled frame
accented with marcasites, 6-3/4" by 7-1/2". The lining is decorated
with tiny ribbon flower edging. This purse is pictured in can be seen in
Evelyn Haertig’s "More Beautiful Purses" on page 61, plate 41.
View
View View
View
View #P20988

REDISCH of NY 1930-40’s
petit point evening bag, black
enamel and sterling frame, pheasants and flowers motif, 6" by 6-1/4" . There
is one blue cabochon replaced on the clasp.
View
View
View
View #P20989




NEEDLEPOINT
cream and brown striped mini purse with flowers, gold tone frame with blue
and yellow rhinestones, 5" by 4-1/2" with 10" handle. Enclosed hand written
note says, "Party bag Tante (Aunt) Margot made and gave me in Baden-Baden
1938". View
View
View
View #P26685

BLACK petit point purse with
colorful floral and leaf motif, 7" by 8". The silver floral and scroll
embossed frame is intricate and lovely, with dolphin loops holding a 16"
double chain handle.
View
View
View
View
View #P26687

NEEDLEPOINT tan and cream
needlepoint purse with floral medallion and rhinestone frame, 6-1/2" by 6" .
The beads on the handle may have been added later, 12".
View
View
View #P26690


VICTORIAN cabinet card
of a lady wearing furs, carrying a fur purse and wearing a fancy hat and
leather gloves, leaning on a fringed chair, 4-1/4" by 6-1/2". Photographer was W. Nicholson, 20 Pier
Street Ventnor, Isle of Wight and the Chine Studio, Esplanade Shanklin.
View #Vnph3

TIFFANY 1930-40’s
petit point evening bag, enameled and sterling metal filigree, frame floral still life motif, 5-3/4" by
8-1/3". A similar purse can be
seen in "A Passion for Purses" by Higgins & Blaser on page 108.
View View
View #P20978

PURSE
Czechoslovakia needle point purse with floral design on both sides and a
marcasite clasp, circa 1930, 6" by 5-1/2"
View
View
View #V65559

TAPESTRY, FABRIC & early
LEATHER
Fabric bodied purses were often coordinated with
richly jeweled and enameled frames. Some fabric used in these purses was
older fabric being re-used, and some was designed especially for purses.
Tapestry differs from needlepoint in that the stitches form the fabric,
instead of being worked into a base fabric or canvas.




VICTORIAN brown velvet purse with tambour work flower bouquet, pink and
green jeweled frame, 8"
by 8" body and 14" chain. See another tambour worked purse in Haertig’s "More Beautiful Purses" on page 69.
View
View
View
View #P32281
TIFFANY attributed
( no signature) tapestry woven
diagonal pattern 5-1/3" by 6" bag with glass beaded fringe, slide-over
catch on a sterling frame. This
purse can be seen in "A Passion for Purses" by Higgins & Blaser on page 109.
View
View
View #P20979
VICTORIAN brown velvet purse with tiny cut steel beads in a regal griffon
and snakes motif, faceted steel brads on frame, 9-1/2" by 9" with a 32" chain handle.
See other cut steel purses in Haertig’s "More Beautiful Purses" on page
256-7 and in "A Passion for Purses" by
Higgins & Blaser on page 195
. View
View
View
View #P32280


PURSE Oriental gray purse with
soft coral, green, yellow and brown vases of flowers purse with butterscotch
and black frame, 8" by 9", and 14", handle shredding.
View
View
View
View
View #P32276

VICTORIAN French black
velvet purse with cut steel brads and beads on tan suede design.
The purse frame has a basket design with tendrils. The purse body is 12"
including the 2-1/4" fringe by 6-1/4" wide with a 16" handle, and the lining
frayed but still inside. The cut steel brads have 14 facets in the older
style, and a matching mirror is included inside. One 1/4" piece of the tan suede
is broken but in place as can be seen in the picture. Similar purse
in

Dawes & Collings "Georgian Jewellery,
1714-1830" page 18.
View
View
View
View
View
View
View
View #V33031

PURSE
black silk purse with cross stitched flowers and rhinestone clip front
frame, 9" by 7", one tiny hold near top through one layer of fabric only.
View
View
View
View #P26646




CHINESE evening bag, beautifully
colored embroidered silk
cell with a netsuke style clasp, 7-1/8".
View
View #P20983

ASIAN bag, pattern silk
chatelaine with a celluloid dragon toggle, 5-1/3" by 3-1/2". View
View
View
View #P20984

ASIAN bag, embroidered knots chatelaine with
celluloid dragon toggle, 5-1/2" by 3-1/2". View
View
View
View #P20985




ASIAN embossed tinted leather
bag with
celluloid dragon toggle, 5-1/2" by 3-1/2". View
View
View
View #P20635

Close up of dragon toggle.

ASIAN evening bag, colorful tooled
leather, celluloid elephants Mt Fuji. Measures 7-1/8" wide.
View
View
View
View #P20980







VICTORIAN
black leather purse with gold tone scrolled frame and Art
Nouveau style lady center medallion, 6" by 6" with 10" handle, circa 1890.
View
View
View
View
View #P26641

BLACK velvet 7" by
5-1/2" purse with silver cherubs, flowers, dolphins 6" by 2" frame and 3"
belt chatelaine with 3-1/2" chains, German, stamped 800 silver and dated
1880/90. . View
View
View
View
View #P28879

ART NOUVEAU
leather purse, curved leather pouch with chased silver frame. View
View #P20964






DEUTZ brown wool 7-1/2" by 8"
purse with 2" wide gold tone frame, 2-3/4" detachable swan brooch, double
chain 10" handle. View
View
View
View
View #P26705

ROSENFELT oval black suede bag
with a center painted medallion depicting 18th century style couple mounted
in an elaborate blue and turquoise enameled frame, 11" by 11", circa 1950. View
#P20991

BLACK Deco purse in ruffled
black with cut steel beads and a marcasite clasp, black celluloid frame, 7"
body with 5" base that expands, 8" handle. The body is in excellent
condition but the inside is shredding.
View
View
View
View #P34525




ASIAN evening bag, 5-1/2" by 3-2/3" tooled
leather cloud & dragon motif.
View
View #P20982

PURSE Asian motif purse with embroidered lady, butterfly and peonies, wear
on the figure of a lady, 7-3/4" by
5-3/4". View
View
View
View
View View #P32277

ASIAN evening bag, processional on front,
8-1/3" by 6". View
View #P20981


PURSE orange paisley
motif fabric purse with cut steel beads hand stitched to the design and
used as the fringe. The frame has a basket motif in silver tone.
View
View
View #P37628

MISER’S BAGS
The miser’s purse was in style in the mid to late
1800’s. Carried by both men and women to contain money, they were flipped
over a belt, held in the hand, or kept in a pocket. The metal rings push
down to contain the coins, which were inserted into a small slit opening at
the middle of the bag. These purses were usually either knitted or
crocheted, and were often hand made from patterns found in
the magazines of the time.




BEADED
miser’s purse, knitted green and tan
stripes with cut steel bead work and enameled decorative capped ends. View
#P20957

BEADED miser’s purse, knitted
cream color with cut steel bead work and fringe. The different fringes on each end made it easier
to determine which end of the bag held which items. #P20958

KNITTED
miser’s purse, red, brown & green knit . #P20959


VICTORIAN child’s or doll’s
miser’s purse in hand knitted brown thread with black faceted glass
beads, circa 1910, 4-1/4" by 2". The opening on this is too small for
real use, so I suspect this was a doll purse. #P36544

SOVEREIGN or COIN PURSES



VICTORIAN
tortoise shell pique purse with inlaid sterling cartouche and scrolls design,
divided interior, 2-1/4" by 1-5/8".
View
View
#P31279
VICTORIAN purse with bow, oval and swirl raised front design, aqua fabric
fold-out inside pockets, one with tab opener, 3" by 1-3/4" by 3/4" deep.
View
View #V29459
VICTORIAN
tortoise shell pique small purse with inlaid sterling delicate scrolls design,
divided interior, 2-1/4" by 1-3/4".
View
#P31280




VICTORIAN celluloid sovereign
purse with sterling design on front, 3" by 1-3/4" by 1/2" deep.
View
View #V31740

SOVEREIGN Victorian cream
celluloid with silver cartouche sovereign purse, 2".
View
View #P29757

VICTORIAN cream-colored
celluloid "Communion" purse with painted front design, separate pockets
inside, 2-1/2" by 2" by 1/2" thick.
View
View #V31576




VICTORIAN coin purse with cut steel beads on
knitted base, silver over brass Greek god faux coins top motif, maker’s mark "R"
in arrowhead and "patn Mar 25, ’90", size 2-1/4" across This purse can be seen
on page 204 of Haertig’s "More Beautiful Purses".
View
View
View
#P12673 View
View
View
#P12673

PURSE celluloid sovereign
purse with 4 inner pockets, illegible silver initials on the front, marked
inside "T & E Paris", 2".
View
View #P31525

LASSERRE sterling
marked 925 4" mesh purse on a sterling chatelaine, 7-1/2" total
length. View
View
View
View #P19534




CHATELAINE Victorian
sterling chatelaine with perfume, mirror, stamp box, pencil and match
safe.
View
View
View
View
#V20954

COIN
PURSE
satiny fabric coin purse with basket and flowers motif in metallic
and fabric thread, 3" by 3", back frayed.
View
View
View #P26645

NECESSAIRE black enamel on
sterling 3-1/4" by 2" compact purse with 2" lipstick and marcasite initials
"PSM". Compartments for powder, rouge and mirror.
View
View
View #P28393




VICTORIAN English celluloid souverign
purse with etched silver framed cartouche and accordion sides, 3-1/8" by 2".
Inside is a built in tiny coin purse and fabric dividers, as is condition
with wear to the fabric. Along the edge of the coin part inside are the
maker’s marks, but I cannot read them. It says something like, "Revel,
SDCG".
View
View #V34684

VICTORIAN fur purse
dated Feb. 7, ’71, 4" by 2-7/8" by 1-1/2" deep.
View
View #P33552


VICTORIAN
French coin purse with silver overlay and the initials "MW"
on the front. The back is
mother-of-pearl and it is fitted inside with an aqua fabric accordion style
fold out. The total size is 2-3/4" by 2-1/8". The silver design
includes fleur-de-lis, tiny flowers and scrolls.

View


View


View
#V38374

SILVER PURSES




STERLING silver small purse
with scrolls and flowers design both front and back, hallmarked Birmingham
1915 purse, lovely condition with deep green compartments inside, 2-1/3" by
2-1/3" by 3/4" deep with chains 2" long each leading to a size 11 finger
ring. The finger ring is not meant to fit, but to slip loosely over the
finger. There are two very shallow dimples on one side which are almost
unnoticeable.
View
View
View #P33294

FOSTER BROTHERS sterling and
guilloche enamel necessaire, tango compact or minaudiere with finger ring,
perfume, powder and lipstick, circa 1930. This amazing piece is done in
pastel blue enamel over an engine turned finish with a center design of an urn
filled with flowers on the front… pink roses, blue forget-me-nots, green leaves and
bows. Inside is a mirror along with a well used powder, rouge with
original puffs. Otherwise this is n excellent condition. Total length
8-1/4", compact is 2-1/8" wide.

Marked on an edge "F&B" for Theo. W. Foster & Bro. Co., this company began
circa 1898 and was a general jewelry maker at 100 Richmond St, Providence,
RI. They also made sterling toilet ware, cigarette cases, vanity items,
photo frames and jewelry. They are listed in the in the 1915 edition
of Keystone on page 30 and in 1934 Keystone on page 7, and identified in
Rainwater "American Jewelry Manufacturers" on page 94.
View
View
View
View
View
View #a34266

SILVER Dance purse, EPNS
(electro-plated nickel silver)
with green velvet interior, a lovely simple design on a scalloped body, purse 3-1/2" by 2-1/2", chain 4-1/2" on each
side.
View
View #P34054


EDWARDIAN sterling silver
finger or dance purse with lovely engraved design both front and back, the
initials "HC" engraved on the front, finger ring for dancing. It is
hallmarked Birmingham 1908 and maker "W.G.K." probably for W.G. Keight. The
green fabric lining inside is in good condition except for a one inch long
fray in one fold, 3-5/8" by 2-1/4" and about 7/8" at the widest bottom .
View
View #P36339

PURSES with RHINESTONE or MARCASITE FRAMES
Whether made with bodies of plain fabric, brocade or fancy bead-work,
these purses are enhanced by semi-precious gem and rhinestone studded
frames. One of my very favorites are the 1950s era Josef beaded and
embroidered bodies with Hobe rhinestone frames, some of which
are shown below. Some came with matching accessories, which is a real treat.
Josef of Paris made
fabulous handbags, and theirs were beaded in France and then imported.




HOBE gold tone purse frame
with rubies, sapphires, quartz cabochons and rhinestones, marked "Hobe"
inside, 6-1/4" by 3-1/2". The frame is also decorated with etched designs of
flowers and leaves. View
View
View
View
View #O31278

HOBE purse with clear
cabochons, pink blue and clear rhinestones set in gold tone frame and
tambour stitch embroidered floral and beaded body, frame 8-1/2" by 1-3/4", body 12" at the widest
by 5-1/2", inside fitted pockets, marked "Bags by Josef, hand beaded in the
USA", light soil inside. View
View
View
View #O31296

HOBE ruby, sapphire, aquamarine, citrine and topaz frame purse with
replacement body, frame 6" by 1-1/8", purse body 6-5/8" by 6-1/2".
View
View
View
View #O29807




HOBE Josef purse with
beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame.
It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom. #P23864

HOBE unsigned purse with
beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame.
It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom. #P23864 Rhinestone frame
DETAIL showing
rhinestone drop latch.
View
View

HOBE unsigned purse with
tambour stitched and beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame.
It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom. #P23864
DETAIL of beaded and embroidered body.




HOBE unsigned purse with
beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame.
It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom. #P23864 Purse
and accessories
, including two satin
pouches with jeweled snap and plastic comb.

HOBE unsigned purse with
beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame.
It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom. #P23864
Purse is
lined
in cream colored fabric.

HOBE unsigned purse with
beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame.
It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom. #P23864
Matching jeweled pouches.




HOBE unsigned purse with
beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame.
It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom. #P23864
Back view

HOBE unsigned purse with
beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame.
It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom. #P23864
Back view of frame.

HOBE unsigned purse with
beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame.
It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom. #P23864
Mark inside one of the pouches.



Ad for this purse. The stitched and beaded body was made by well-known
purse maker Josef, and the frame by
Hobe, circa 1950. At the bottom, the ad says, "… evening bags by Josef…
jewelry to match, bracelets $79.50, pin clips $35.00, earrings $19.75." View

Courtesy of Pat Seal

Josef of Paris made fabulous handbags.
They were beaded in France and then imported. In 1946, when this ad came
out, the price of the purse was $125.00.
Courtesy of Pat Seal



RHINESTONE purse
with clear rhinestone body and pink, lavender, blue and green borders,
4-1/3" by 2-1/2" by 1-1/3" deep. Golden inside with a flip-out shoulder
length chain. View
#P62199

IRADJ
MOINI
attributed round purse with scrolling metal openwork intertwined
with cabochon pink tourmalines and rhinestone swirls, set to the center
with large cabochon jade-green stones, the twisted metal top handle having
cabochon green stone terminals, body 6" by 3" deep.
View #P24339

FOLD-OVER jeweled sapphire-colored glass
cabochons frame and brocade evening bag frame, circa 1920’s, 8-1/2" wide and
5-1/2" tall when folded as shown. One small stone is missing at
the front center, and the fabric body needs to be replaced as it is badly
frayed.
View
View
View
View
View
View #P20955




DECO
black suede evening purse with rhinestone encrusted frame and
faux ruby cabochon accents.
View
View
#P13065


JUDITH LEIBER
Deco style black satin evening purse with frosted glass
Lalique-style scarab top and
pendant teardrop, along with clear Swarovski crystal rhinestone accents
along the frame, 7-/4" by 6-5/8". It has a 40" long silver chain
that can be worn over the shoulder, and the chain has a swivel on each
end so that it can be tucked inside, out of sight. Inside the
purse are are two pockets. It is in excellent vintage condition, a
classy purse ready to use for many more years.
View
View
#P15647


JUDITH LEIBER
black satin evening purse with frosted glass scarab top and
pendant teardrop.
View
View
#P15647


PURSE Martin
van Schaak gray lizard purse with rhinestone insect ornament, 7-1/2" by
6" by 3" wide at bottom, circa 1960.This is in very good condition and
has been used but well cared for. It is fitted inside with pockets and a
zippered side, obviously high quality design.
View
View
View #P65305


DANIEL SWAROVSKI Paris
purse is called "Piree Peach Python", 10-1/2"
by 8-1/2" and with an interior gold tone metal label that reads "Daniel
Swarovski, Paris." It comes with the original box, price tag of
$1700.00, a protective cloth bag, and certificate of guarantee and even
the original tissue paper. It is in excellent condition in every way and
has obviously been well cared for in the past. The beading of the
crystals is a stars and shells motif. Made of silk with a gold rope draw
string and gold adjuster which also has small crystals, the sides and
outside bottom are very soft and velvety blonde Python skin. This is a
real treasure in every way.

View


View


View


View


View


View


View


View
#K39094

BROWN suede purse with
wonderful silver marcasite frame, body 12" by 5-1/3", frame 5-3/4" by
7/8", brown lining in excellent condition. The rubbing at the top
gathered part of the purse where it meets the frame shows more in the
photo than it does in person.
View
View
View #P37227

PURSES of WOOD, CELLULOID, PLASTIC, LUCITE or BAKELITE




PURSE Deco
1920’s butterscotch-colored purse with painted pastel and rhinestones
décor, 3" by 5". The outside is in wonderful condition, but the inner
lining is soiled. This purse is seen in Higgins & Blaser "A Passion for
Purses" on page 29. View
View #P22124

PURSE Deco 1920’s
black plastic minaudiere purse with red rhinestones, 5-1/2" by 2-5/8". There are
three compacts intact inside. Similar purses can be seen on page 545 of Haertig’s
More Beautiful Purses.
View
View #P22121

PURSE celery green fabric purse
with green and black plastic and rhinestones front, 3 by 4-1/2".
View
View
#P22122




DECO plastic colorful peacock
on a black background minaudiere purse with interior fittings. Similar
purses can be seen on page 545 of Haertig’s More Beautiful Purses.

View
View #P20194

WOODEN
Suzanne Brand Made in Czechoslovakia multi-colored wooden beads purse
with zipper top, circa 1935, 8" by 5". See a
similar purse in Moro’s European Designer Jewelry on page 188
and in "A Passion for Purses" by Higgins & Blaser on page 232.
. #P25403

PLASTIC tortoise-colored
purse with tan satin fabric lining, 5" by 3-3/4" with a 16" strap. The
lining has shredding and light lipstick stains on one side.
View
View
View
View #P26480


PURSE Lucite apple juice carved
top tortoise colored body purse, circa 1960.
View
View
View #P26773

CROCHETED and HOME KIT PURSES




CROCHETED ecru doll purse with
tatted edge and drawstring, 4" by 4-1/2".
View
View
View #a50922
VICTORIAN hair purse
pocketbook charm, , 7/8". This is the smallest "purse" in my
collection! See one like it in Bell’s "Collector’s Encyclopedia of Hairwork
Jewelry" page 197. View
#V31399
CROCHETED Victorian
ecru hand crocheted doll or child’s purse with pink satin ribbon, 5-1/2".
#P28132




PURSE cream
"Irish Crocheted" purse with ribbon drawstring and crocheted ball trim,
circa 1900, 7" by 14". See Haertig’s More Beautiful Purses
page 83-84.
View
View #P28609

CROCHETED brown, soft peach
and yellow and tan wooden beads purse, 6" by 8" with 2" bottom tassels.
View
View #P50680

LEATHER laced glass beaded fringed
bag, probably made from a home kit, about 4″ wide and 9″ long. A
similar purse is on page 111 of Haertig’s "More Beautiful Purses".
#P17895

MISCELLANEOUS
PURSES



Fitted interior of this purse.


PURSE
or small satchel with fitted compartments for vanity
items which include jar,. bottle, mirror, coin purse and brushes, all
matching. The body is 9-1/2" by 5" and the bottom is 8-1/2" by 2-1/3".
This even includes a vintage package of Kleenex Lipstick Tissues!

View


View


View


View


View


View
#P37851

Accessories inside the purse.

REFERENCES

Evelyn Haertig’s books Antique Combs & Purses, More
Beautiful purses
& Restoring & Collecting Beaded Purses

Vintage Bags & Purses by Roselyn Gerson

Purse Masterpieces by Lynell Schwartz