Form meets function in this beautiful, early 20th century mesh chatelaine purse made entirely out of sterling silver. An ornate, art nouveau style frame is adorned with sinuous leaves, irises and lilies, and is engraved with the letters "AL" on one side. The hinged frame fastens with a kiss lock clasp. The purse is suspended from a silver chain, with a small ring at the top. This was intended to hang off of a chatelaine, which was a sort of women's multi-tool, consisting of an often decorative clasp hung from a belt or waistband, from which were suspended all sorts of essential daily items, such as keys, watches, tiny knives, scissors, notebooks, or small purses like these. This is a rather large example of a chatelaine purse.
Unfortunately, as the price of silver rises, large, heavy antique purses like these are being scrapped and melted, and sterling silver purses of this size are becoming increasingly hard to find.
Purse measures 6.25" by 4", not including chain or dangles. Chain measures 3" on each side of ring. It is marked sterling on the ring, as well as inside the frame, along with the maker's mark for R Blackinton & Co (a sword and uppercase B).
I have cleaned, but not polished, this purse. I believe the patina is part of what makes this antique so beautiful. It is in excellent condition, with two minor spots where the chainmail is loose and one missing ring.
