Historical information
Silver metal purses are made out of the same sort of metal links used in armour. Metal/silver purses became popular fashion accessories in the late 1800s-early 1900s, as a ‘medieval’ look. They remained popular in fashion in part due to the invention of a mesh-making machine in 1908.
Significance
This purse is significant to Burke Museum because it was donated by Beechworth resident Mrs. Beverley Hayes and represents the use of fashion accessories in Beechworth during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Physical description
Silver metal mesh purse with clasps at top to lock.
Inscriptions & markings
Obverse:
Filigree/floral pattern engraved on purse clasp.
Reverse:
Filigree/floral pattern engraved on purse clasp.
References
- Silver Link Purse Website provides general information about the popularity of silver purses in late 1800s, and how they became very fashionable by 1900.
- The Vintage Compact Shop Website discusses how mesh bags were made, their associations with armour and their increase in popularity in fashion in late 1880s onwards.
- Silver purses, 1890s and 1920s Website discusses popularity of silver mesh purses from 1890s, and the invention of a mesh-making machine in 1908.
