Vintage Silver Purse
A vintage silver purse brings polished metal, mesh, and enamel from the Edwardian, Victorian, and Art Deco eras directly into daily use.
Vintage Silver Purse
A vintage silver purse encompasses everything from delicate mesh evening bags and cocktail purses to solid sovereign cases and compact combination units. The examples span periods from the Victorian and Edwardian eras through to George V and the 1930s Art Deco movement.
Most pieces date from the early twentieth century, showing distinct stylistic shifts from floral Art Nouveau motifs to geometric Art Deco lines. Collectors encounter various formats, including chain link designs, mounted leather or crocodile skin bodies, and enameled vanity accessories.
Materials and Construction
Makers utilised sterling silver, silver gilt, and continental silver alongside supporting materials like glass, brass, fabric, and leather. Many pieces incorporate fine chain mail, interlocking mesh links, or structured metal frames mounted to organic textures such as crocodile skin.
Surface ornamentation relied on traditional techniques including engine turning, cast decoration, and colourful guilloché enamel panels. Makers also integrated functional elements like silk linings, interior mirrors, and secure clasp mechanisms into the metalwork.
Vintage Silver Purse Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for vintage silver purse 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 Edwardian purse thoughtfully pairs solid silver with genuine crocodile skin for the ultimate pocket-sized statement.
Evaluating Quality and Finish
Quality rests upon the crispness of the engine turning, the integrity of the enamel work, and the flexibility of the mesh or chain links. Superior pieces retain their original gilding, clear hallmarks, and tightly woven structural integrity without stretched links or weakened hinges.
The distinction between standard items and finer examples also involves the complexity of the mounted leather or the delicacy of applied decorative motifs. Makers who executed precise guilloché enamel patterns or intricate silver mounting produced enduring objects that retain their visual weight and tactile appeal.
Charles Penny Brown·Aaron Lufkin Dennison·John Collard Vickery·Henry Williamson·The Boots Company·Robert Cawley·Henry Charles Freeman·William Adams Ltd·Mappin and Webb
The Vintage Silver Purse Glossary
- Guilloché enamel
- A decorative technique where a precise geometric pattern is engraved beneath a translucent layer of coloured enamel. This method creates depth and lightplay across compacts and purses.
- Sovereign case
- A small, fitted pocket container designed to hold gold sovereign coins securely. These cases often feature spring-loaded internal partitions.
- Cocktail purse
- A small evening bag or pouch intended for social gatherings, typically fashioned from silver mesh, chain link, or fabric with a metal frame.
- Engine turned
- A mechanical surface decoration method producing intricate, recurring geometric patterns across metal objects. It provides texture and catches the light.
- Silver gilt
- Silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold on its surface. This finish adds warmth and protects the underlying metal.
Vintage Silver Purse: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sovereign case used for?
A sovereign case held standard gold coins safely in the pocket or handbag during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Internal spring mechanisms kept the coins from rattling or falling out.
Today, these compact silver containers function well as small pill boxes or decorative fob items. Collectors appreciate their mechanical precision and sturdy construction.
How do I clean a silver evening bag?
Gentle dusting with a soft microfibre cloth removes everyday debris from mesh and chain links without damaging the structure. Avoid harsh chemical dips that strip away patination or harm fabric linings.
For pieces with enamel or leather components, keep moisture away from the vulnerable joints. Professional silver maintenance is best if the tarnish is heavy.
What is guilloché enamel?
Guilloché enamel involves machine-engraving a precise geometric pattern onto a metal base before applying translucent coloured enamel over the top. The underlying pattern shines through the glossy surface.
This technique appeared frequently on compacts and miniature purses during the Art Deco period. Pieces with intact, undamaged enamel remain particularly sought after.
How do I date an Edwardian silver purse?
British pieces carry hallmarks that include assay office marks, date letters, and the lion passant indicating sterling standard. Consulting standard hallmarking charts connects these letters to exact years.
Stylistic clues also help, as Edwardian items often feature flowing floral motifs typical of the early nineteen hundreds. Combining the assay mark with the maker's stamp provides a precise date.
Are vintage silver purses fragile?
Silver mesh and fine chain link items require careful handling to prevent individual links from bending or snapping. Storing them flat protects the delicate framework from crushing weight.
Solid silver sovereign cases and compacts are remarkably robust for daily carry. However, enameled surfaces still need protection against sharp impacts and drops.