A Collector's History - Pat Seal

The first purse, rich in family history, Whiting & Davis

It all began many years ago in the 1960's when I received my Mother's Whiting and Davis enamel bag. I thought that it was so lovely and it meant a great deal to me because it was my Mother's purse and one that she carried and used about 1927. It now belongs to my only daughter, Dianne.

 I then began to notice others while I was out searching for vintage jewelry which I buy and sell and they just sort of clung to me and whispered to me until I adopted them and took them home. What else could I do?

I have about 100 purses in my collection including several that I bought new from the 1960's into the 1980's but I do not have pictures of them at this time.  

I consider them to be "works of art" deserving of preservation for coming generations of collectors.

Fabulous Enameled
Mesh with Exotic Bird Design, Whiting & Davis

Art Nouveau Silver
Plated Frame on a
Cut Steel Suede Leather
Purse, ca.1895

Enameled Mesh Mandalian Purse - note the detail on the fringe.

Unmarked Mandalian Mesh purse.

Rare Beadlite Purse by Whiting & Davis

Very Fine Beaded
Bag Marked "CALVAIRE"
Made In France---Also
Contains Original Owner's
Calling Cards---

Lovely Beaded Bag
W/Butterflies and Flowers
Marked CAROLEE

Cathedral Top
Mesh Bag Marked
Sterling, R.Blackington

Many thanks to Pat Seal, Collector of Antique & Vintage Purses for sharing her history and beautiful collection. She is also a Collector and Dealer of Antique & Vintage Jewelry. Visit Pat's Collection of Vintage Jewelry.

See more of Pat's and our members purse collections at our Vintage Purses Pinterest Board