A pleasing round shape! This is a somewhat common and popular design from 1870-1880’s, a response to the earlier styles of beaded bags which came before this era, which had every color of the rainbow in them. Like the earlier purses, it also goes with everything--but with simple and rich silver-only versatility! However, when you find these, they are nearly always rusted, as the steel beads got wet somewhere along the timeline over the century plus twenty-five years of their lifetime! NOT THIS ONE! It is MINT, MINT, MINT condition. Not a speck of rust! No beads missing. The back of the purse has chamois leather, because it was meant to hang from a waist hook and would therefore rub against the wearer’s flowing skirt. The back was never beaded, so it did not have to withstand the wear of rubbing. The chamois leather is soft and pliable, which is also another sign of great care given this bag--most of this type are found hard and stiff. The frame design is a pleasing high-relief Victorian floral with curliques pattern. Inside the bag is chamois and soft, clean. You can use this purse, or it will beautify your wall and set off other items, such as pictures and prints. A honey and hard-to-find in such pristine condition, especially considering its great age. 5 inches in diameter.

$199