Antique Rare sterling Purse Frame 19th Century GORHAM Snake Dragon Griffin & Florette Chain MUSEUM Piece
$1,200.00
This RARE 1860s solid sterling Gorham double purse frame and florette chain is adorned with TWO serpents to hold the chain, four large griffins or winged dragon like creatures which each hold a long horn full of flowers and roses. I have never seen another like this ( and Gorham frames are VERY VERY hard to come by. Truly a specially commissioned piece that was for someone very high in society. Although Gorham is probably more well known for their flatware and serving pieces, they also produced incredibly rich and fabulous silver smalls, as well as purses and purse frames .Other than Tiffany, Gorham was THE best in silver and this one tops them all. Surely a museum piece, this has its original thick solid sterling florette chain with hand soldered thick link. Notice the loop on the front of the purse that flips up and down to hold a chatelaine. The closure works well and the it has a fancy button push in clasp. This is not small by any means and would have probably had a black fine French silk bottom. The measurements are 6 ¾ from outer hinge to outer hinge. 4 from the top of the button clap to the lowest point on the frame. Almost ½ wide and with a chain that is 17 long and 1/3 wide, this is an IMPRESSIVE PIECE! Notice the raised relief on the lip of the top of the frame. ( I have more photos if you want to email me for them) No place on this was left untouched. Even better than the photos this HIGH QUALITY antique purse is a MUST for handbag collectors as well as Gorham sterling collectors. Inside the marks are an lion, an anchor and a G. Using the Gorham hallmark index, this dates 1863-1890. IT hardly needs any polishing and since it is quite a wonderful mythological piece of art as well as a FANTASTIC purse frame, this is one of kind that needs to be in a home where it will really be treasured! This one will require insurance when shipped in the US.
VintageSparkles offers Layaway on all our pieces regardless of which site it comes from.All layaway payments will need to be in the form of a check or money order only. Please remember that vintage & antique items are not mint, nor are they perfect but they sure are full of old history and charm. Please use photos to make your decisions and read our policies prior to buying so you can have an excellent experience with us.
Please use this number when ordering jjb130149557475.
If you want to see more of these pretties this is the link to my etsy store.
http://www.vintagesparkles.etsy.com/
or visit our gallery on pinterest where you can see all our pieces at once
http://pinterest.com/etsyvsparkles/sparkles-in-my-etsy-store/
