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DRESDEN & WIREWORK MESH PURSES
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This section deals with the Dresden or Baby Fine metal wirework mesh purses. Handbags made of fine wire metal mesh have been around for a long time, but they hit their peak at the turn of the last century. Tiny rings of wire joined together in chain fashion make up these lovely purses. Originally, these bags were made entirely by hand and was an expensive, laborious process.
 
The invention (patented by A.C. Pratt) of mesh making machines around 1909, was developed in Germany by Dresden & Weiss.  This was a boon to manufacturers as the bags could be mass produced, and they were.
 
Wire or chain mesh purses became a large part of the 'Roaring Twenties'. The major producers in the United States were Whiting & Davis and Mandalian Mfg.  These bags were also made in many other countries such as France, England, Germany to name a few.
 
Dresden bags have a surreal watercolor appearance from a stenciling method of applying enamel paint.
Production of Dresden mesh purses ceased in the 1940's with the onset of WWII. Normal production of armor mesh resumed after the war.
 
See armor mesh enamel purse catagory for more Mandalian & Whiting & Davis metal mesh bags.
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German Dresden Wirework Mesh Green 1920's Purse
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#187

EL Sah Vintage Whiting & Davis Dresden Mesh Purse
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#188

1930's German Dresden Wirework Gray Mesh Purse
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#186

Antique Silver Chain Maile Mesh Purse Putti Frame
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#96

1920's German Baby Fine Gold Wire Mesh Purse
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#185

 

SOLD
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#184

   

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