1920s Top Handle Bags

This wonderful Whiting & Davis metal mesh bag, circa 1920s, is a stunning piece of fashion history. The purse is comprised of colorful enameled armor mesh with a unique enameled frame. The front side of the frame is accented with delicate pink flowers against an ombre green background. The body of the mesh purse features black, indigo, yellow, orange, pink white and green enamel in a geometric design. The bag has the classic Whiting & Davis 1920s profile of a rectangular shape, slightly flared out at the bottom, with the "vandyke" bottom skirt design (a repeating half-diamond or V shape). The inside of the frame is stamped with the Whiting & Davis logo. Kiss lock closure. Metal figure-eight-link 13" chain. Documented in "Whiting & Davis Purses, The Perfect Mesh", Leslie Pina and Donald-Brian Johnson, 2002, pg 52, top left image. Measures approximately 5.5"x4.5". Enamel in excellent condition. One link pulled away at one corner of the frame. Tarnishing commensurate with age. Very much useable for wear or perfect for the collector display.

In liquid silver mesh, this semi-transparent evening bag looks like Medieval chain mail and wears almost as powerfully. Its patterned Art Deco top frame, hairpin chain handle and pou...

A chic vintage black leather art deco bag. The bag has attractive detail on the front ,and the top clasp. Inside there are two compartments , one with a p...

This is an amazing handbag, lined in silk. Blue Cabochons on the clip closure. Lining in nice shape, this bag is just about 100 years old and looks amazing! Measures 8 in. wide x 12 ...

This is an amazing handbag, lined in silk. Most likely french. Cabochons stones on the frame in Green. Has a large ornate clasp. It comes with its original purse and mirror. Measurin...

A delicate piece of wearable art, this evening bag’s intricate pavé beadwork is only surpassed by the muted hand embroidered flowers that decorate its surface. Demure and petite, it even includes the original folding hand mirror, encased in the same ivory crêpe-backed satin that lines the purse. Pavé beaded evening purse...

Demure pointed fringe and an Impressionist watercolor print are the perfect counterpoint to a flapper dress unsafe to take home to mother. Just large enough for a credit card and some lipstick, because a nice girl kept her flask in her garter. Fine metal mesh handbag with pointed bottom fringe and peacock feather watercolor...

Whiting & Davis has been producing fashionable handbags since the late 1800’s and perfected mesh designs in the 1900's that originally were hand formed. This 1920's version is simil...

Stunning Ermine Fur Muff. Satin lined with cord handle. Matching Cape is listed on our storefront as well. Measures 13 inches wide x 11 inches ( tails drop it down to 16 inches ) ...

Lovely Art Deco Brass Mesh Dance Purse with mesh tassel. Ornate foliate filigree decoration runs up both sides of the frame. Acorn "kiss" clasp c...

A super art deco style bag from the 1920s. In soft dark brown leather with a hard plastic decoration around the edge. The clasp in made of brass and frames the whole bag with small s...

This stunning little 1920s flapper bag is made of a crochet silk thread in a fan like shape. There is one handle that loops from the front to the bac...