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Another Fine Mesh You've Gotten Me Into

I truly consider it a grand time to be a small part of the explosive recognition that the vintage mesh purse industry so duly deserves. It was quite apparent years ago that the curiosity towards Whiting & Davis, as well as Mandalian mesh purses, was exuberant and soon to be out of control. So 15 years ago, I became interested in offering them in my treasury of vintage merchandise.

At first I didn't know what to expect from the buyers point of view. I practiced my usual purchasing standards. I bought what I liked but the condition had to be superior and the quality had to stand out. I am careful not to invest in re-painted mesh purses, those with missing mesh or any significant problems. I have since discovered that collectors are very happy to take one of my mesh purses home to their collections. Their feedback holds strong that one issue prevails over all others, that being, condition... condition... condition.

Perhaps you have given thought to wanting a small mesh purse collection amongst your favorites. You've seen or heard of how wonderful they are, arranged as stunning wall art or carried to that special occasion. However, you don't know how to get started and you don't want to make mistakes. Before your first purchase, you should cruise the internet, antique stores and shows to get a feeling of the styles and colors that appeal to you. Mesh purses are as personal as any other type of purse. Whether Whiting & Davis or Mandalian, your purse should express your personality.

You will have lots of styles to consider, such as, enameled mesh, Dresden silkscreen, Sunset or fine baby mesh, the El-Sah vanity bag with compact lid, Gloria bags with jointed bracelet style frames, Princess Mary styles with fold over tops, also the rarer Delysia, Piccadilly and Baby Peggy purses.

The mesh enamel painted purses will offer a wide-ranging spectrum of colors and designs such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau. There will be florals and scenics, peacocks and birds, also plain silver and gold tones. Even the fringes will be varied, for example: Vandyke fringe, Venetian, thin, thick or looped chain, Bacchus and cut-out fringe. Some will have tassels, others metal painted tear drops.

Once you have decided which styles of mesh purses call your name, seriously consider the price range that you will be comfortable spending on a purse. Do some price comparing and find a dealer that you feel is fair, offers good customer service and a return policy. Talk with sellers and ask questions. A reputable dealer should be eager to answer your questions, offer specific information and point out condition issues that effect the value of a purse. For example: are there any mesh links detached from each other or from the frame, are the hinges all straight and right as well as the frame, is there any paint loss, are there any missing links, any gaps at the hinge areas, and so on.

Buying mesh purses is an investment. You will want your collection to appreciate as the market dictates. If you can't afford to buy a quality purse, I recommend saving up for one. Cheap mesh purses, with wear and tear, will rarely be desired or appreciate in value. Remember, the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten.

The scope of my job involves assisting you in making sound decisions and choices. Historically, buyers want the very best possible condition at the lowest price available. Their demand for quality tells me that those are the purses which are most desired and to date, they always have been. I accept the challenge of finding purses for you and I especially enjoy the pleasure that you receive from acquiring a new vintage mesh purse. I spend a generous amount of time searching for these special purses and I love every moment. But, 15 years ago, I had no idea what a mesh I was getting myself into. Oh... but it's so much fun.

Related Article: Mesh & Metal Purses - Fact & Tips

Comment about this article: caroldubilo@gmail.com

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