You might not expect chain-mesh bags to predate sliced bread by three decades, but it’s true. The very first mesh purse was created by Charles Whiting (1864–1940) in 1892 while working for the jewelry manufacturer Wade Davis & Company in Plainville, Massachusetts. Whiting joined the company at the age of 16, and by 1896 he formed a partnership to purchase it, renaming it the Whiting & Davis Company.
While the original Whiting & Davis mesh purse was made entirely by hand — artisans hammered out the links and wove them together — the company developed a machine to automate fabrication in 1912. With the ability to produce more rapidly and prolifically, Whiting & Davis became a veritable mesh empire, creating handbags and purses in all shapes, styles and colors, including ones made from precious metals, painted with Art Deco designs and silk-screened with Impressionistic images. The purses became status icons for the stylish elite, particularly with the flappers of the 1920s.
Over the years, Whiting & Davis struck up partnerships with some of the most talented designers of the time, including Paul Poiret, Elsa Schiaparelli and Elsa Peretti, who used their mesh in elegant pieces for Tiffany & Co., propelling their popularity even further. After a brief hiatus during World War II, when Whiting & Davis produced radar equipment rather than handbags, the brand continued to develop an ever-expanding line of products that included clothing.
In the 1970s, Whiting & Davis accessories and clothing were the rage of the disco scene. By the early 2000s, everyone from Paris Hilton to Lady Gaga donned the brand’s mesh handbags.
Recent innovations to their offerings include color mesh and fine mesh, with the brand refocusing on fashion jewelry with the launch of a new collection in 2013 featuring a revamped vintage snake-bracelet design. The company has been based in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, since 1995, also supplying its renowned chain mesh for industrial uses like work gloves and protective applications such as shark suits for divers.
Find vintage Whiting & Davis mesh handbags, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
$177Sale Price|40% Off
WHITING DAVIS signed vintage silver tone leafs designer clamper bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING DAVIS • silver tone • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku A67 ❤️❤️ V...
1930s Whiting & Davis Metal Mesh NOS Deadstock Gold-Tone Gauntlet Bracelet Set
By Whiting & Davis
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Introducing a rare vintage find, a set of two vintage 1930s Whiting and Davis metal mesh gauntlet bracelets! This beautiful set features Whiting & Davis' expertly crafted gold-tone "...
Base Metal
Unusual Whiting Davis Victorian Hands Clamper
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Whiting Davis Gilt Victorian Hand Expansion Clamper from the 1980's. Signature gilt mesh made into a "rope" body with hands with ornate cuff end ...
Gilt Metal
$207Sale Price|40% Off
WHITING DAVIS signed vintage silver tone glass cameo designer bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING DAVIS • silver tone with glass • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sk...
$1,040Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Whiting & Davis Hematite Clamper Cuffs, Necklace & Earrings Set, Signed
By Whiting & Davis
Located in McKinney, TX
- Parure includes two hinged clamper cuff bracelets, pendant necklace and clip on earrings - Silver tone - Faux hematite - Clamper bracelets measures 2.5" across, 2.75" tall and open...
Vintage Mesh 1.50cts Diamond 24k Yellow Gold Beaded Link Mesh Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Retro Diamond 24K pure Yellow Gold Link Mesh Bracelet A superior craftsmanship in the beaded mesh link bracelet, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, with a beaded texture. Th...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Bracelet Vintage 1960s in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Wavy Mesh
Located in Paris, FR
Articulated Domed Tank bracelet in 18K (750°/°°) yellow gold, Wavy Mesh Tank Bracelet from the 1960s Length: 19.5 cm Width: 3 cm Security : Safety Eight Owl Hallmark for 18 carat y...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Midcentury Two-Tone Gold Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful two tone 14k yellow and pink gold bracelet from the 1940s features a lovely geometric design. The bracelet measures 28mm in width and 8 inches in length. It weighs 59....
14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
5.42 Carat Happy Diamond Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This 5.42 Carat Happy Diamond Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold is a lavish piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. The centerpiece features 9 round cut moving diamonds, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Articulated Mesh Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold. Supple, this splendid retro bracelet is adorned with a rectangle mesh embroidered with circles connected by triple rings. The clasp is ratchet clasp with safety chain. Length : 19 cm, inner circumference : about 17 cm, width : 17 mm. Total weight of the jewel : 32.8 g approximately. Authentic antique jewelry - Work of the 1950s. Our opinion : The ajours of this retro yellow gold...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet 2.00 Carat
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1930's Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet 2.00ct - The bracelet contains 21 European cut diamonds and an additional 20 single cut diamonds for a total approximat...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 18 K Yellow Gold Diamond Mesh Bracelet Signed Meister Zurich
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A stunning 18 K yellow Gold mesh Bracelet ca 1960 set with 26 round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing ca. 2 ct, G color, vs clarity. This 18 karat yellow and white gold diamond bracele...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Silver Tone Link Bracelet set with Rhinestones circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Art Deco silver tone bracelet featuring eight links set with baguette and round rhinestones. There is wear and scratching as expected. The rhinestones are bright. Measurin...
Moonstone Bangle Bracelet Black Enamel Heart Gold Plated Diamond J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Moonstone Heart Black Enamel Bangle Bracelet White Diamond 14k Gold Plated Designer: J Dauphin The Moonstone Heart and Black Enamel Bangle is a definitive piece handcrafted in 14k g...
Diamond, Moonstone, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
White Diamond Teeth Cuff Memento Mori Open Bangle Bracelet J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Teeth Cuff Bracelet White Diamond Black Enamel 14k Gold Plated Memento Mori Open Bangle Designer: J DAUPHIN The Teeth Cuff is a rigid open band in 14k gold plated brass, the band f...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
1960s Retro 18 Karat Yellow Gold Convict Mesh Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, gazelle head hallmark. A solid gold bracelet, it features a convict link that ends in the last link with a ratchet clasp with two safety “8”. Length...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Bracelet 1930S
Located in Geneva, CH
Art Deco Old mine cut Diamond Platinum Bracelet. Circa 1930. Security clasp. Length: approx. 15.70 / 16.00 centimeters. Width: 2.50 centimeters. Total weight: approx. 54.4 grams.
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Whiting Davis Silver Snake Clamper
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Classic Whiting Davis Silver Snake Expansion Clamper from the 1980's. Signature mesh made into a "rope" body with head and tail hilts. Signe...
Silver Plate
Gold Mesh Coiled Snake Cuff Bracelet By Whiting & Davis, 1960s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Gold plated mesh and hardware - Flexible, fits most wrists - By Whiting & Davis (signed) - Circa 1960s ...
Vintage WHITING DAVIS signed silver tone glass designer massive cuff bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed WHITING DAVIS • silver tone with glass stone • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of we...
Whiting Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Whiting Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet from the 1980's. Signature mesh is used to form the coiled scales on the snakes body with detailed gilt head and tail...
Gilt Metal
Whiting Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Whiting Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet from the 1980's. Signature mesh is used to form the coiled scales on the snakes body with detailed gilt head and tail...
Gilt Metal
Whiting and Davis Japonesque Panel Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Whiting and Davis Japonesque Panel Bracelet in silverplate panels backed on their signature mesh. Panels depict temples and mountain ranges w...
Silver Plate
Whiting and Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Whiting and Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet of pale gold metal with highly detailed finishes. Each scale is articulated in the metal mesh which ends in f...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
Vintage Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Snake Bracelet 1970s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Whiting and Davis gold metal mesh coiled snake bracelet from the 1970s, with the original box. Will fit many wrists.
Vintage Whiting and Davis Silver metal mesh snake bracelet 1970s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Whiting and Davis silver metal mesh coiled snake bracelet from the 1970s. With the original box from Jordan Marsh. Will fit many wrists.
Whiting and Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Whiting and Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet of chromed metal with highly detailed finishes. Each scale is articulated in the metal mesh which ends in fin...
Silver Plate
1970s Whiting & Davis Coiled Snake Bracelet
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
1970's coiled snake bracelet from Whiting and Davis. It is made out of Whiting and Davis' signature gold-chain-mail mesh. It measures 1.5" high. Th...