How To Date A Whiting And Davis Mesh Bag

Okay, picture this: I'm at a flea market, elbow-deep in vintage scarves, when I spot it. Nestled amongst chipped teacups and dusty doilies, a shimmering, slightly tarnished, Whiting and Davis mesh bag. It practically screamed, "Take me home!" And, of course, I did. But then came the inevitable question: how old is this little beauty?

Dating vintage items, especially these mesh bags, can feel like you're embarking on an archaeological dig. It's a mix of detective work, historical context, and a healthy dose of guesswork. But don't worry, it's also kinda fun! (And way less dusty than actual archaeology, let's be real.) This guide will help you figure out the approximate age of your own shimmering treasure.

The Obvious Clues: Labels and Marks

First things first: look for a label. Whiting and Davis used various label styles throughout their history. This is your low-hanging fruit, the easiest way to narrow down the time period. Often, you'll find a sewn-in fabric label, or an embossed metal tag. Some earlier bags have the markings stamped directly into the frame.

Keep in mind, though, that labels can be removed or faded over time. So, don't despair if yours is missing. We've got other tricks up our sleeves!

Here's a breakdown of some common label variations:

• Early bags (late 19th/early 20th century) often have just "Whiting & Davis Co." stamped into the frame.
• Later, you'll see fabric labels with "Whiting & Davis Mesh Bags" or "Whiting & Davis Co. Made in USA".
• Sometimes, you'll find a small metal tag attached to the chain or frame. Look closely!

(Pro tip: a good magnifying glass is your best friend in this quest! Those markings can be tiny.)

Delving Deeper: Mesh Types and Materials

The type of mesh used can be a surprisingly helpful indicator. Whiting and Davis experimented with different materials and weaving techniques throughout their history.

• German Mesh: Early bags, dating roughly from the late 19th century to the early 1900s, frequently used what is now known as German Mesh. It's characterised by a very fine and tight weave giving it a smooth, almost liquid appearance.
• Durable Mesh: As the name suggests, this mesh was created to be more resistant. If you feel the weave and it seems more rigid and less fluid than other mesh types, it probably is Durable Mesh.
• Soldered Mesh: Bags with soldered links (where each mesh link is individually soldered together) are generally older and more valuable. Inspect the mesh closely to see if you can spot the tiny solder points.
• Ringside Mesh: Ringside mesh bags show a more spaced mesh configuration and were produced at the middle of the 20th century.

The material of the frame and chain can also offer clues. For instance, silver-plated frames and chains were more common in earlier bags.

(Side note: Don't be afraid to Google! Searching for "Whiting & Davis mesh types" will give you tons of visual examples.)

Construction Details: Frames, Closures, and Linings

Examine the frame of the bag. Is it plain and simple, or ornate and decorative? Intricate frames with elaborate carvings or embellishments are generally indicative of earlier pieces.

The closure mechanism can also be a clue. Early bags often used simple snap closures or drawstrings. Later bags might have more sophisticated clasp mechanisms.

And don't forget the lining! (If it still exists, that is.) The type of fabric used for the lining can sometimes help you pinpoint the era. Rayon linings, for example, became popular in the 1920s.

(A word of caution: linings can be replaced over time, so this clue isn't always foolproof.)

Consider The Overall Style

Think about the bag's overall aesthetic. Does it look like something you'd see in a flapper movie? Or does it have a more modern, streamlined design?

• Art Deco influences: Bags with geometric patterns or bold colors suggest the Art Deco era (1920s-1930s).
• Smaller sizes: Smaller bags were more popular in the early 20th century, reflecting the changing fashion trends.

Researching fashion trends from different eras can help you place your bag within a specific timeframe.

Remember: Dating vintage items is more of an art than a science. Use these clues as a starting point, but don't be afraid to consult with experts or fellow collectors. Happy hunting!