Antique beaded purse frame

This unusual antique metal purse frame is composed of four hinged sections that measure approximately 3-1/4" each. When opened, they form a 3-1/2" square and were surely originally attached to a pouch type evening bag. All four sections are slightly concave at both the top and bottom, giving the appearance of a crown when closed, thanks to the chain clip at either end and double button clasp in the center. The front two sections each contain three oriental ladies with fans riding in a decorated crescent moon, flanked on either side by a green bead that may be jade. The back two sections have sculptured horizontal ripples. Chain is about 14" in total length. Latch closes securely. I can find no maker’s mark anywhere, but this frame is obviously very old and we have made no attempt to remove its patina. (Click on picture for more images.) Tell a friend.

Price: $200.00 + s/h and insurance

   only 1 available

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Art nouveau purse frame and clip

This beautiful antique metal purse frame undoubtedly topped a fine lady’s evening bag some time around the turn of the 20th Century. Measuring 4-1/8" x 2-1/2" when closed, the center of the front part of the frame features the head of a lovely woman with long flowing tresses, with a cherub head at either corner, and filagree everywhere else. Two 4-1/4" long chains rise from the back part of the frame to attach to a ring which in turn attaches to an ornate clip, allowing the lady to clip her bag to her evening gown’s ribbon belt and leave her hands free for dancing. I don’t know if this is coin silver, silveroin, or some other type of plating, but both the frame front and clip front have the appearance of pewter. The middle portion of the frame back, however, has rubbed to where brass coloring shows through. No markings as to maker, but the purse latch is marked “Pat. Jul.2.01" and the clip back is marked “Pat. February 19th, 1901". Latch closes securely and opens by pulling it slightly forward to disengage its two tiny interior feet from the slots in the frame back. (Click on picture for more images.) Tell a friend.

Price: $225.00 + s/h and insurance

   only 1 available

Antique silver plated purse frame

This gorgeous antique silver plated purse frame measures 6-1/2" x 3" high when closed. The top edge of both the front and back section has an attached strip of very ornate, very delicate filagree in a flower and fern design. The clasp, which is attached to the front section, has two more flowers and ferns and a hole in the middle for the pronged ball knob attached to the back section to push through. Both frame sections are decorated with a center rope design flanked on either side by a bead design. The back frame has two loops at its top outer edges for attachment of a chain handle. One of the loops may have been bumped a long time ago because it’s more ovular in shape than its circular counterpart. Latch snaps securely shut. Unmarked as far as I can tell, which I find amazing because surely someone would have wanted to take credit for this outstandingly beautiful frame. Other than the tarnish and the aforementioned possible accidental flattening of the one chain loop, this piece is in perfect condition with no dings or dents. (Click on picture for more images.) Tell a friend.

Price: $250.00 + s/h and insurance

   only 1 available

Antique sterling silver purse frame

This utterly gorgeous antique sterling silver purse frame measures 7-1/2" across x almost 5-1/2" tall when closed. The front and back frames are identical in design, and what a wonderfully detailed design it is! The center banner portion depicts a medieval castle with two towers. On the left, underneath a large tree, a gentleman approaches on horseback. On the right, underneath another large tree, two ladies in long gowns stroll in the grass. Two large flowers flank the banner, and their long curving stems and leaves form the sides of the frame. The deeply concave lower edge is scalloped and the snap apart latch, which closes securely, is quite ornate. Down by the hinge, the exterior of one frame has a hallmark consisting of an intertwined M and L in a shield, while the exterior of the other frame is marked “Sterling”, and carries the number 414 on its interior top lip, underneath the latch. This exquisite frame has lived in a protective plastic bag for who knows how many decades and is in perfect condition with minimal tarnish and no dents or scratches whatsoever. A truly beautiful antique. (Click on picture for more images.)

** SOLD **