Edwardian Evening Bag
An edwardian evening bag is a small, ornate accessory designed for social occasions, offering a tangible connection to early twentieth-century elegance.
Edwardian Evening Bag
When searching for an edwardian evening bag, collectors examine an array of small purses, coin purses, and cocktail bags spanning the late nineteenth century through the 1920s. These items range from delicate mesh pieces to structured silver frames and fabric pouches.
The most common examples on this page reflect the styles of the Edwardian era, George V period, Art Nouveau movement, and Art Deco design. They combine functional storage for small items with decorative artistry suited for formal evenings.
Materials and construction
Makers utilised sterling silver, standard silver, and brass for frames and mesh, often employing chain mail or silver links to create flexible, shimmering surfaces. Fabric, glass beads, and crocodile skin also appeared in construction.
Detailing frequently involved blue guilloché enamel or petit point needlework set into solid silver mounts, showcasing specialised metalwork and imported hallmarks from towns such as Chester and Birmingham.
Edwardian Evening Bag Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian evening bag among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
One antique Victorian purse charmingly depicts a scene titled The Music Lesson.
Assessing quality
Quality rests upon the intricacy of the metalwork, such as finely woven silver mesh versus simpler chain links, and the presence of registered hallmarks. Maker attribution to known firms adds distinct provenance.
The inclusion of specialised decorative elements like guilloché enamel, hand-stitched petit point panels, or exotic materials like crocodile skin separates standard production pieces from finer examples.
John Collard Vickery·The Boots Company·Robert Cawley·G. Norman
The Edwardian Evening Bag Glossary
- Guilloché enamel
- A decorative technique involving precise, intricate patterns engraved beneath a translucent enamel layer. It appears frequently on early twentieth-century silver accessories.
- Petit point
- A style of highly detailed needlepoint worked on single-thread canvas using wool or silk. This technique allowed makers to render elaborate pictorial scenes on purse panels.
- Silver mesh
- A flexible textile formed from interconnected small silver rings or links. It drapes fluidly and reflects light during evening use.
- Hallmark
- An official stamp applied to precious metals indicating purity, origin, and assay office. These marks help verify the period and maker of silver purses.
Edwardian Evening Bag: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an edwardian evening bag?
An edwardian evening bag is a small, decorative purse or coin pouch used during social gatherings in the early twentieth century. These accessories were designed to hold small personal items like coins or calling cards.
They reflect the aesthetic tastes of the period, incorporating materials like silver mesh, beads, and enamel. Today, they serve both as collectible display pieces and wearable vintage accessories.
How do I date a silver purse?
Dating these purses relies primarily on hallmarks stamped into the silver frame, which indicate the assay office and year of manufacture. Stylistic clues such as Art Nouveau curves or Art Deco geometry also help narrow down the timeframe.
Makers' marks provide further confirmation when attributed to specific workshops or silversmiths operating during the Edwardian and George V reigns.
What materials were used in these bags?
Makers constructed these evening accessories using sterling silver, standard silver, brass, and fabric. Surfaces often featured glass beads, crocodile skin, or woven silver mesh.
Additional decorative elements included blue guilloché enamel panels and petit point embroidery. Each material combination defined the specific style and formality of the piece.
How should I care for vintage silver mesh?
Vintage silver mesh requires gentle handling to prevent the delicate links from kinking or snapping. Storing the purse flat in a dry environment helps preserve its structural integrity.
Avoid abrasive metal polishes that can damage intricate engravings or enamel work. Professional cleaning should be approached with caution to retain original patinas.