Edwardian Sterling Silver Chain Purse with Finger Ring
Personal Accessory - Silver Purse / Chatelaine Bag · Unknown American or Continental manufacturer; commonly produced by firms like Gorham, Whiting, or German export workshops specialized in silver finery and vanity items.
Pattern: Edwardian Floral Wreath Pattern with Central Monogram Cartouche; generic period style rather than a specific name-brand collection.
Type
Personal Accessory - Silver Purse / Chatelaine Bag
Maker
Unknown American or Continental manufacturer; commonly produced by firms like Gorham, Whiting, or German export workshops specialized in silver finery and vanity items.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or German Silver (.800), potentially silver-plated brass (EPBM) given the yellowish tarnish; the hinge and chain are base metal or silver-toned alloy.
Dimensions
Estimated 4 to 5 inches in width; length of chain approximately 6 inches; estimated weight 80-120 grams including internal lining.
Description
An elegant Edwardian-era silver evening purse featuring a soft, curved frame and a delicate bright-cut foliate wreath. The design is centered around a blank cartouche intended for a bespoke monogram. The bag is suspended from a link chain ending in a finger ring, a hallmark of early 20th-century vanity items designed for both beauty and utility on the dance floor.
Key Features
Signature kiss-lock closure; finger-ring suspension; blank circular cartouche; curved 'scalloped' frame design; bright-cut engraving.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or German Silver (.800), potentially silver-plated brass (EPBM) given the yellowish tarnish; the hinge and chain are base metal or silver-toned alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-cut engraving featuring a floral and foliate wreath; center contains an unmonogrammed circular cartouche; kiss-lock closure; satin-patina surface with heavy tarnish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically found on the interior frame lip; likely marked 'STERLING' or '800' with a small maker's symbol; hallmarks are not visible in the provided image.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-formed frame and body; soldered chain loops; hand-engraved or machine-etched decorative details; interior usually silk or notched chamois.
Functional Features
Functional kiss-clasp (ball-and-socket) closure; integrated suspension chain with a finger-ring to prevent dropping during evening use.
Handle & Grip Details
Fine-link curb chain attached to two fixed D-loops; features a 1-inch diameter finger ring at its apex for secure handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped frame indicating industrial production typical of the era, though the engraving suggests a final hand-finishing touch for the consumer market.
Authentication Indicators
The construction method and engraving style are consistent with early 1900s vanity silver; wear patterns around the kiss-lock and finger ring suggest authentic age and use.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (Providence or Newark) or Germany (Hanau/Pforzheim); these regions were the primary hubs for silver mesh and solid-frame purses in this period.
Era & Period
Edwardian Era (1901-1915); characterized by the shift toward smaller, more delicate evening accessories used by the 'New Woman' during social events.
Age Estimate
Circa 1905–1915; based on the curved frame shape and the specific style of light floral bright-cut engraving popular before the rise of Art Deco.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of women's fashion at the turn of the century, where purses became standalone accessories as clothing evolved away from deep interior pockets.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition but with heavy tarnish/oxidization that obscures the metal's true luster; minor surface scratches and small dings on the bottom edge; some thinning of the silver layer if plated.
Value Estimate
$75 – $150 (if silver plate); $200 – $450 (if solid Sterling Silver), depending on hallmarked maker and interior condition.
Care & Maintenance
Polish gently with a soft cotton cloth and Wright's Silver Cream; avoid immersing if the interior fabric is present; store in a Pacific silver cloth bag to prevent further oxidization.
Similar Pieces
Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse (more common, mesh body); Georg Jensen Art Nouveau Purses (more organic, higher value); Elkington & Co Silver-Plated evening bags.
Interesting Facts
The finger-ring was a practical design choice for the Edwardian ballrooms, allowing the wearer to keep her purse in hand while dancing or holding a glass of champagne.