Vintage Evening Bag
These vintage evening bag examples bring together silver mesh, beaded textile and exotic skins from the Victorian era to the 1940s.
Vintage Evening Bag
A vintage evening bag covers small purses and handbags intended for social occasions, spanning periods from the Victorian era through the 1940s. The selection on this page relies heavily on early twentieth century forms, notably Edwardian and George V silver cocktail purses and Art Deco clutches.
Makers utilised various formats, ranging from delicate chain link and silver mesh pouches to structured leather and exotic skin handbags. Textile and glass bead examples also appear alongside solid silver pieces bearing hallmarks from London, Birmingham and Chester.
How they were made
Metalsmiths formed sterling silver and silver components into mesh, chain mail and solid frames, often incorporating engraved decoration or guilloché enamel. Workshops also mounted fabrics, glass beads and exotic materials like crocodile skin, python skin and horn back alligator tail.
Makers applied textile linings and fitted clasps, hinges and chains to secure the contents. Hallmarks stamped into the silver elements record assay offices and specific dates of manufacture.
Listings feature sterling silver, glass beads, python skin, and horn back alligator tail across the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods.
What varies in quality
The standard of a vintage evening bag depends upon the integrity of the materials and the precision of the construction. Solid silver frames with clear hallmarks and intact mesh or chain link structures represent superior execution.
The preservation of delicate elements, such as enamel work, bead stitching and natural skins, distinguishes finer examples. Maker marks from established firms also indicate higher workmanship.
Macy & Co·John Collard Vickery·The Boots Company·Robert Cawley·G Norman·William Adams Ltd
The Vintage Evening Bag Glossary
- Hallmark
- Official marks stamped on precious metals indicating the assay office, standard of purity and year of manufacture. These stamps help verify the origin of silver purses.
- Guilloché enamel
- Decorative technique where a precise pattern is engraved beneath a translucent enamel layer. This finish appears on Continental silver and enamel mesh items.
- Chain mail
- Interlinked metal rings forming a flexible fabric used for purses and evening bags. It provides fluid movement and durability.
- Cocktail purse
- Small evening bag designed to hold minimal items during social events. They often feature short carrying chains or finger rings.
Vintage Evening Bag: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean a silver evening bag?
Silver components require gentle polishing with a soft cloth to preserve engravings and hallmarks without damaging adjacent fabrics or mesh.
Harsh chemical dips should be avoided, particularly on items featuring enamel or delicate textile linings.
What periods do these bags cover?
The available pieces span from the 19th century and Victorian era through Edwardian, Art Nouveau, George V, and into the 1930s and 1940s.
Art Deco and 1930s exotic skin clutches represent the later styles in this range.
Are these bags suitable for daily use?
Vintage evening bags were designed for social occasions and hold only small essentials like coins or compacts.
Due to their age and delicate materials, such as glass beads and fine silver mesh, they require careful handling.
How can I date my silver purse?
British silver items carry hallmarks that include date letters corresponding to specific years and assay offices like Birmingham or Chester.
Maker marks and stylistic details such as Art Nouveau or Art Deco motifs also assist with dating.