Material: Sterling Silver
Size: Frame Width ~ 4 & 3/4 inches, Depth; Clasp to Purse Bottom ~ 5 inches,
Handle
~ apx 16 inches = 8 inch drop,
Overall Length; Top Hdle to Bottom Purse ~
12 & 1/2 inches
Quantity: 1
A very nice antique all sterling silver late Victorian purse, c. 1895.
See detailed
measurements above.
Inside on frame the purse is hallmarked: Sterling ~ S Nordlinger & Sons, Los Angeles,
Cal.
This jeweler established their first store in Los Angeles, c. 1869, continuing business
until apx. the turn of the century, when they merged with Brock & Co.
The purse features the desirable long paper clip style chain link handle, with a
single oval link connecting each elongated link. The high quality mesh is fine
and smooth; no lining. Secure kiss style closure.
This purse is in very nice estate condition. I examined the links with a magnifying
glass and believe that the links remain securely in place around entire frame perimeter
and they are very close up around the hinges. There is definitely no large gap between
hinge and links, as is commonly seen on old mesh bags. In the body of the purse
there may be a minor loose link or two; it is difficult to tell because each link
is interlinked with at least four others, so if one becomes loosened it is not easily
discernable.
Hinges operate very well, as does clasp, which aligns well and snaps securely shut.
All parts appear to be original.
It is a nice substantial bag, quite heavy for its size, weighing a considerable 4.31
troy ounces.
According to readily available online information Nordlinger Jewelers was a well
respected fine jewelry store, touted to be one of the early Angeleno businesses,
selling good quality, high end merchandise, including Tiffany and Patek Philippe
to mention a few.
