Antique Beaded Purse ca 1900

The colors are divine! 

This large beaded purse is a beautiful version of micro-beading. It is absolutely gorgeous in color…deep rich jewel tones that are utterly eye-catching. The lacey metal frame is gold-washed. 

Weeks of hand work went into its design that is meticulously finished. There are no missing beads, and the body of the purse is intact and strong. The interior lining is missing, but this does allow one to view the incredible intricate workmanship that went into its creation. It would not be difficult to add a silk lining, and a skilled seamstress will easily do this for you. The gold wash on the frame has rubbed off on one side where the purse bounced against the original owner’s skirts. 

This was obviously used and well care for…beloved to the original owner. If only we knew who she was…. 

The purse measures about 11 inches or 28 cm in length overall, not counting the chain which adds another 7.5 inches or 19 for a total length of about 18.5 inches or 47 cm.

Victorian Lapis Lazuli Blue Silk Beaded Purse or Reticule

Artists prefer a particular color of blue in their palette over all the others. It is rich to the eye and costly. 

Artists know that this particular color of blue makes hearts beat a little faster. It is a rich blue that draws the eye instantly, even from quite a distance away. It is a royal, expensive color and this is the very color of this purse. 

Lapis Blue. 

The purse is perfectly lined and features the original hand mirror that it was initially designed to hold. The little mirror is backed and stitched permanently inside the reticule with silvery gray moiré taffeta. 

The mirror’s reflection, however, is marred due to time. Although it is not cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged, it has an antique crackled glass appearance across its reflection because of the irregularities of the silver coating originally used in its manufacture. 

Yet, there is something surreal and beautiful when you peer into the mirror…because whether we admit it or not, there is that quiet wish that you might actually see the original owner peering back.

 

The purse or reticule dates to circa 1885. It is absolutely sublime…strong enough for use...but we caution collectors that its long-term value lies in the fact that it is in such gorgeous condition. 

The bag will make a stunning, eye-catching museum display. This is certainly a most special example of a reticule style from the Victorian era. 

The actual purse is 9 inches or 23 cm long and measures 6-1/2 inches or 16.5 cm across at the opening. The base is 6-7/8 inches or 17.5 cm wide. The corded handles alone in measurement are 6.5 inches or 16.5 cm. The purse's total length, including handles is approximately 19.5 inches or 49.5 cm.