RARE 19th CENTURY GORHAM SNake Dragon Griffin Sterling PURSE frame & Florette CHAIN MUSEUM PIECE

This RARE 1860’s solid sterling Gorham double purse frame and florette chain is adorned with TWO serpents to hold the chain, four large griffins or winged dragon like creatures which each hold a long horn full of flowers and roses. I have never seen another like this ( and Gorham frames are VERY VERY hard to come by.

 Truly a specially commissioned piece that was for someone very high in society. Although Gorham is probably more well known for their flatware and serving pieces, they also produced incredibly rich and fabulous silver smalls, as well as purses and purse frames .Other than Tiffany, Gorham was THE best in silver and this one tops them all. Surely a museum piece, this has its original thick solid sterling florette chain with hand soldered thick link. Notice the loop on the front of the purse that flips up and down to hold a chatelaine.

The closure works well and the it has a fancy button push in clasp. This is not small by any means and would have probably had a black fine French silk bottom. The measurements are 6 ¾” from outer hinge to outer hinge. 4” from the top of the button clap to the lowest point on the frame. Almost ½” wide and with a chain that is 17” long and 1/3” wide, this is an IMPRESSIVE PIECE! Notice the raised relief on the lip of the top of the frame. No place on this was left untouched. Even better than the photos this HIGH QUALITY antique purse is a MUST for handbag collectors as well as Gorham sterling collectors.  Inside the marks are an lion, an anchor and a G. Using the Gorham hallmark index, this dates 1863-1890. IT hardly needs any polishing and since it is quite a wonderful mythological piece of art as well as a FANTASTIC purse frame, this is one of kind that needs to be in a home where it will really be treasured! This one will require insurance when shipped in the US. .

$1200.00

Please use this # when ordering jjb130149557475

 

Antique Victorian MICROBEAD Flower wrist purse

This is the sweetest purse with such an intricate pattern. I can’t even imagine the days it took to make this. The inside just needs to be re-tacked at the top, but other than that is in very good condition. This measures 4” long x 3 3/4” wide. These glass beads are so well sewn in that it has nice weight to it and it is very flexible.

$65.00

Please use this # when ordering jab1609
 

 1800’s Victorian CHERUB steel cut beaded Purse and chatelaine
 

It always amazes me that something this intricate can be made with no machines or a whole crew of workers. Just the weaving along is so TINY and add into that the steel cut beads that have been woven in the diamond pattern.

The Cherubs on the top of this frame are a perfect accent for such an ornate item!! This has its original chatelaine hook that would have been hung from a belt. The metal is in very good condition and the bead work needs some touching up . But all in all it is a beautiful old piece that deserves a great home! This measures 10 1/2” long from top to bottom and the chain is 12” long in total .

$350.00

Please use this # when ordering jab1600
 

Antique art Nouveau mechanical double fold PURSE Frame & chain strap

There is nothing prettier than the work done during the nouveau period where vines and leaves were implemented into jewelry and purses. This one is a very neat mechanical purse frame that actually can form a square or be flat in two pieces. This measures 6 1/4” ( bottom of the frame that would hold the purse) and it graduates up to 7” on the top outer tips. The metal balls would be the part that opens the purse. The chain is 14”. This is in excellent condition. It has the tiny holes on the bottom of the purse frame that the purse would be attached to the purse ( sewn to it) . Imagine this on an antique glass beaded purse that needed restoration!

$85.00

 Please use this # when ordering  jab1610

1920’s DECO Guilloche ENAMEL MEsh compact PURSE

 These are just so detailed and unusual it makes you wonder how they carried them? possibly in a tiny draw string purse? This one has a pink and ivory colored guilloche enamel top with a beautiful floral spiral design. The bottom is gilt brass mesh and the whole compact measures only 2 1/2” across. The top lifts up on hinges and inside it a the powder puff and mirror. Under the puff is the original fabric screen to keep the powder from spilling out. A few of the tiny pieces of mesh need to be retacked ( I personnally would use glue, but then again it is up to its new owner.

$125.00

Please use this # when ordering jab1611

1900's STERLING miniature FIGURAL PURSE

It is often you find treaIt is often you find treasures like this, so be sure you look closely at this fine old miniature sterling hard cased purse. The face on the front is gorgeous with lovely flowers around her. The hinges and clasp work well and the outside tests at sterling and the in side is probably silver over another metal ( unknown). This is 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" and is 1 1/2" THICK. Heavy ( 138 grams) and well made this has a lip around the inside edge to help it fit well together. Definitely a hand held purse this is a delightful piece that will thrill Art nouveau and purse collectors!

$550.00

Please use this # when ordering ga33397

WW11 Vintage LUCITE Nurse Purse BOX with history

Long before 'Women's Lib," decades prior to Gloria Steinem, brave women were putting themselves in harm's way without so much as a backward glance towards equality or feminism. They were (and still are!) the amazing nurses serving in the United States armed forces. Thousands of nurses served on "Comfort Ships," which were strategically moored in high conflict areas where immediate medical attention was critical! During WWII, the nurses on the "comfort ships" were more than likely to keep their supplies and necessities in a maroon and white lucite box such as this one. The gentleman from whom we purchased this box assured us that his wife had, indeed, used this very box. (Her initials are on it.) While researching this lovely lucite box, we were unable to find any ship manifests for staff and crew members who survived the wars. (We were, however, able to trace those who lost their lives in their valiant endeavors. Very interesting reading, indeed!) When we questioned the gentleman as to why he was willing to part with such an incredible piece of family history, he sadly said that he and his wife had no children and nobody close to him who would appreciate this treasure! We are hoping that this historical box finds its way to a new home where it will be respectful of all the places it's been and all the memories it holds. Thank you for looking at this unique piece. It is ALL lucite ( and shiny, unlike my photos) and measures 8” x 4” x 2 1/2” tall ( has felt on the bottom) . It has all its original hinges and her Initials PD on the top. Out of respect we are not disclosing her name.

$125.00

Please use this # when ordering jjb1627
 

Victorian hard cased hinged purse with 39” chain

Royal purple velvet inside. Measures 7” x 5 ½” x 4” thick Great condition

$95.00       
Use THIS number when ordering B60007

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