This exceptional purse for discerning collectors dates to the 1940s. The purse is a master’s work of textile art. It is in outstanding condition, which counts most of all in purse collecting. Also, it is rare to find a purse from this era in its original, custom made presentation case. 

Micro-petit point purses of this quality were made in Austria and France during this era and are utterly breathtaking to examine. It is believed that the label on the bottom of the box is the price, and although difficult to discern, it appears pencil marked in French francs. 

The purse is entirely hand embroidered in micro petit point using exquisite silk floss. Please refer to the photographs. Under loop magnification, a single line counts as 40 stitches to the inch, which totals 1600 handmade stitches per square inch. Such fine hand work often took a master embroiderer as long as a full year to complete. 

The magnificent petit point figural scene is alive with movement and placed along a waterfront. As a woman walks by, a man on shore is depicted tossing a rope out to the fisherman who are about to dock their boat. The perspective in this exquisite petit point rendering is deep and perfectly executed, with buildings and waterways that disappear into the horizon line. Another sailboat is anchored in the background, and almost appears to bob up and down with the gentle movement of the water. 

The purse is sewn onto a silver-gilt frame. The frame is in outstanding condition without damage. The lacy floral design that makes up the clasp is connected at every point. The clasp is on a strong hinge and it only takes a gentle nudge to tilt the clasp back in order to open the purse. The interior, rich satin lining is deep ivory in color and the pockets are lined with burgundy moiré taffeta. The pockets are two different shapes, oval and squared at the top. 

There are no hallmarks or identifying marks whatsoever on the purse. The box, with brass hinges, moire´ taffeta. The only identifying mark on the interior is the monogram WSW. These initials have been researched and neither manufacturer nor department store can be connected to the monogram.
 

The presentation case is obviously original and its interior was custom made to fit the exact dimensions of the purse. The box is both paper and cloth covered and its interior is lined with glistening

The overall condition of this purse is outstanding. The colors are bright, clear and it is pristine both inside and out. In fact, the purse at first appears as though it was never used, but very close examination reveals a very tiny pencil mark at the very bottom of the interior lining and a tiny, red lipstick smudge. Both slight issues are only a few millimeters in width and one must to actually take the time to try to find these marks. The box has obvious rubbing on the exterior with original paper pricing label still attached to the bottom. The hinges are strong. 

The gracefully curved purse measures approximately 8 inches or slightly over 20 cm at the widest point. It is 8 inches or 20 cm from the bottom of the handbag to the top of the clasp. The wonderful presentation box measures approximately 10 x 12 inches or 25.5 x 30.5 cm. This is a magnificent example of micro-petit point from the 40s era, and is considered to be in near mint condition considering age.