Offering a very rare Art Nouveau sterling silver Mythological chatelaine purse by the Gorham Mfg. There are so many design elements I don’t know where to begin. To start with the chatelaine clip, it’s oversized and depicts St. George on horse back slaying the dragon. Great pierced open workmanship. At the top of the purse is Neptune with three horns emerging from his head and an intertwined snake there as well. Below him a central cherub head that serves as the release mechanism to open the purse and he is flanked by ocean waves. On the either side of him are mermaids and mermen lovers and those playing musical instruments not to mention two sea monsters. The alligator or snake skin bag is original to the piece. Signed, Gorham, sterling and bearing their hour glass symbol for the year, 1901. Measuring: The entirety, 12 1/4″ Tall, the purse 9 1/4″ Tall, 6 3/4 Wide and Weighing 263.8 grams or a hefty 9.36 oz. The condition is excellent. No damage to the sterling silver. The leather bag shows some wear as you would expect from a natural material such as leather but, overall better than most. There is evidence of a monogram having once graced the front of the bag. Inside I see a couple of small holes in the fabric where the frame opens and closes, the rest looks good and clean. The patina is wonderful. The rarity and condition of this exceptional antique purse make it an especially attractive offering. Please see my other listings. This item is in the category “Clothing, Shoes & Accessories\Specialty\Vintage\Vintage Accessories\Bags, Handbags & Cases”. The seller is “epluribusunum!” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, Korea, South, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Africa, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Republic of, Malaysia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Jamaica, Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei Darussalam, Bolivia, Ecuador, Egypt, French Guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macau, Martinique, Maldives, Nicaragua, Oman, Peru, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion, Vietnam, Uruguay.
- Gender: Women
- Modified Item: No
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Style: Purse
- Look: Art Nouveau
- Decade: 1890s
- Material: Sterling Silver
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Color: Silver
- Occasion: Cocktail
- Brand: Gorham
