Lady’s handbag

Small (11.7 cm) lady’s handbag in the shape of a semi-oval pouch of dense silver mesh, made of fine links braided like armour / chainmail, provided with a narrow strap braided like chainmail, carried on the wrist. Handbags of this type were particularly fashionable during the popularity of the Biedermeier style and were also used after the First World War. The structural frame for the pouch consists of two semi-circular arches, formed from smooth strips. The bag has a snap lock that is released with side decorative buttons (sapphire cabochons at the base). The bag’s arched frame is decorated with a fine engraved ornament in the form of a floral thread running along the side edges of the frame, decorated in the niello technique. The strap serves as handle of the bag. Germany – Prussia, 1884–1914.