Antique German Silver Mesh Evening Purse Vintage Edwardian Flapper Chain Mail Bag

Antique German Silver Mesh Evening Purse Vintage Edwardian Flapper Chain Mail Bag

Here I have for sale a highly decorative antique German silver chainmail mesh evening purse, dating from the early 20th century Edwardian era, featuring a beautiful double-ball kiss clasp frame and a matching link chain handle.

Itemised Details
Material Composition: German Silver / Alpacca (a highly durable antique nickel-copper-zinc alloy favored for Edwardian micro-mesh work).
Era: Edwardian / Early Art Deco (circa 1900–1915).
Clasp Type: Mechanical double-ball "kiss lock" clasp assembly.
Dimensions: Measures approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in width across the baseline and 14 cm (5.5 inches) in height from the top of the clasp down, as shown against the tape measure layout.
Construction: Classic hand-linked interlocking round ring mesh pattern with an integrated perimeter wire stitched directly into a rigid stamped metal frame.

Detailed Condition
Frame & Clasp Condition: The rigid metal frame is structurally excellent, completely straight, and free of bends. The mechanical double-ball kiss clasp is very strong, locking together tightly and snapping shut flush with zero gaps. The chain handle links are fully intact.
Mesh & Chainmail Damage (Please Read): There is noticeable historical wear and link separation present on this piece. Specifically, there are clear splits in the chainmail along the upper right and left side edges where the mesh meets the vertical frame hinge, alongside a few small localized loose rings near the upper pocket rim.
Operational Note for Buyers: Because of the edge separations, this item is being sold strictly as a historical display piece, theatrical prop, or a candidate for specialist restoration / ring re-linking. It has been left in its completely uncleaned antique state with a gorgeous dark silver patina.

During the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, European workshops—particularly in Germany—led the global market in manufacturing fine micro-mesh evening bags. These bags were traditionally made of "German Silver" or Alpacca, which was “Nickel Silver, which is made from copper, zinc and nickel.” This composition was highly favored over solid sterling because it didn't snap under tension while dancing or traveling.

These bags became the ultimate status symbol of the 1920s "Flapper" era. Because modern fine-gauge chainmail repair is becoming a rare artisan skill, vintage fashion enthusiasts and prop directors actively buy these damaged original frames on eBay to either harvest the links for other restorations or use them as atmospheric, authentic backdrop set pieces.