Known also as a beggar’s evening bag, this vintage accordion-hinged mouth expands to a 4-inch-wide opening to place your personals inside. When closed, the top is a mere 1-1/2-inch circle with a flip top lid that fits perfectly and keeps the inside pouch closed. The cap is stunningly design with a crown of sparkling jewels. This fashionable purse is made of gold mesh chain mail and is heavier than expected at 5.3 oz. The bag is fully lined with a shiny off-white material, creating a 4-inch-deep pocket. The pouch has a bit of discoloration in a few areas (looks to be foundation powder) and shows it has been lovingly and gently used over the past 90 years. The small chain rests gently on the wrist, but it is also comfortable to gently grasp the crown with a few fingers and carry it that way as well.

There are quite a few Whiting & Davis Co bags on the market, as they still make bags today, but not many in the beggar/gate-top style from the 1930s. These bags continue to be highly desired and are worn by many celebrities on the red carpet. Whiting & Davis bags were coveted by the sophisticated and well-styled everywhere and are known to be the world’s leading mesh handbag manufacturer.

This bag may be small, but it has full-sized elegance and style.