Antique Art Nouveau French .800 silver chain mail mesh lady's chatelaine coin purse. A charming piece, the thick silver framework having exquisite detailed raised relief of chrysanthemum flowers. Having a kiss-lock closure. The purse is of fine quality silver chain mail mesh. A loop ring on the frame allows for the purse to be suspended from a lady's chatelaine belt or a chain. Marked with the French head of the wild boar, in use from 1838 to indicate a silver content of .800/1000. In good condition. Measures 3" across the frame x 3 3/4" height. Weighs 51.4 grams.
These silver chain mail link purses were a necessary fashion accessory during the Victorian era and fashionable well into the early 1900's / Edwardian. A lady could stow a nice amount of coin money for errands and light shopping. Today, they are great accessories for weddings, parties, and evenings out. The silver chain mail is easy to match and these purses were so beautifully crafted by skilled silversmiths. A charming wedding gift or choice as a bride's "something old." And for doll collectors, these smaller size purses make lovely decorative objects for accessorizing dolls.