RARE Charlotte-Beaded
Double-Sided Figural Purse

This purse is the gem of my entire collection being knit from very rare single-cut Charlotte* glass beads which cause the purse to glisten and reflect light from different angles giving it a very sparkly appearance (see the video).  In addition to this, the figural scene is different on each side.  It depicts a courting couple -- on the front side the gentleman has removed his tophat and is presenting his lady fair with a lovely bouquet.  She is garbed in a flowing gown carrying a reticule and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.  The reverse side depicts the same (I believe) couple who appear to be dancing on an outside veranda.  Both scenes are ones I have never seen in all my years of collecting and I consider it to be a one-of-a-kind purse.  The frame is extraordinary with a huge deep red carnelian crown clasp with matching colored jewels on the handle and frame.  Several other smaller jewels accent the frame and clasp as well.  Beautifully lined and in perfect condition.

*Charlotte Beads - read about them here.

NOTE:  I have sold this purse to another collector so it is no longer in my collection.

Butterfly Hunters Micro-Beaded Purse

Considered by many to be the crown jewel of beaded purses, this much sought after purse is known to collectors as "Butterfly Catchers" or "Butterfly Hunters".  The scene depicts two young women out for a stroll alongside a lake with their butterfly nets in tow.  The purse is in near mint condition and is topped off with a stunning jeweled frame with a huge cobalt jeweled clasp ... in fact, the clasp measures 1-1/8" high!  The back of the purse has the same scene.  The inside is lined in a pale tan silk and is trimmed with pretty French silk ribbon roses.  And the fringe is to die for!  Lush intertwined twisted loops in colors reflected from the purse design and that ties it all together with the colored jewels in the frame (cobalt and carnelian).  This purse is much larger than others I have had in the past ... it measures a full 8" across at the frame, 9" across at the bottom, and 13" long.   Magnifique!

Victorian Girl on Beach
with Goat - Micro-Beaded
Reticule

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This purse has been in my collection for many years now and I only grow to love it more each day. With the passing of time, I have never run across another like it and I truly cherish it.  This mint condition reticule is done in the tiniest beads I have ever seen lending an artistic quality that makes this purse truly look like a painting.  The detail is extraordinary depicting a girl with sun hat and large bow sash around her waist glancing out to sea.  She holds bouquet of flowers in one hand and a small goat grazes in front of her.  Her wistful look makes you think she is longing for her love who has gone to sea.  Gorgeous colors!  Lined in ivory silk damask and finished in emerald green fringe.

Beaded Pouch Purse
with Gorgeous Figural Dragonfly (Butterfly)
Carved Celluloid Frame

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This beautiful purse is done in rich colors on a cobalt blue ground on a pouch purse design.  The purse would be piecrust shaped if it could be laid flat but the way it was attached to the frame gives it a fuller shape, hence the "pouch" description.  It is truly unique!  The carved celluloid frame is stunning and has a full figured dragonfly or butterfly in dark green.  The frame is open under the dragonfly (this can be best seen from the interior view of the purse).  It is in excellent condition throughout.  Measures 5-1/4" wide at hinges x 9-1/2" long from clasp to bottom of the intertwined looped fringe.

Very RARE
Figural Petitpoint Purse
"Lady on Sofa"
with Beaded Fringe &
Ornately Jeweled Frame

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This one is a rare combination of petitpoint and beaded fringe.  Tiny petitpoint stitches make up a wonderful portrait of a lady reclining on a sofa while three gents surround her.  It appears the seated one in the foreground is reading to her from a book.  There just HAS to be a story behind this one and that will be my challenge to find out... if anyone knows what this scene is portraying, please feel free to email me.  I feel it has to have some historical significance.  The frame is heavily jeweled in topaz, emerald and sapphire stones.  The bottom is finished in intertwined glass-beaded looped fringe.  It is a real treasure and one I am quite proud to own.  Size is also quite large ... 7" wide x 12" long.

Note: Due to another collector's generous offer, I was persuaded to part with this lovely purse so it is no longer in my collection. I do miss it!

Very RARE
Continuous Scenic Purse
with Historic Tavern Hunt Scene

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This is the pride of my collection!  A very rare purse done in a full 360 degree portrait in exquisite detail.  The old gold frame has an embossed Art Nouveau design and two sapphire blue jewels set on either side of a raised decoration.  The purse itself is full-bodied with tiny tucks across the top giving it a draping look. The scene is done in very tiny beads in vibrant colors and depicts a man and woman (possibly an innkeeper and his wife) chatting with two gentlemen seated at an outdoor table enjoying their lunch while another gentleman stands alongside.  There are three hunting dogs frolicking at their feet in the street.  Following along that same street, you will come to a street sign with a picture on top (possibly the tavern sign) and a soldier on horseback with his rifle.  This continues around to the front of the purse again.  All in all, there are six people, three dogs, a horse, a house, and detail unsurpassed in any purse I have seen.  My very favorite piece!

Note: Due to another collector's generous offer, I was persuaded to part with this lovely purse so it is no longer in my collection. I do miss it!

RARE
PINK Mandalian
Lustro-Pearl Mesh Purse
with Figural Bird Clasp

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Pink backgrounds and fringe are almost non-existent to find in Mandalian ... it took me over a year to find my first one!  This one has the lustro-pearl finish and vibrant colors of soft pink, bright pink, teal, and black.  Teardrop dangles are also pink.  Bright gold frame features two birds in the clasp.  Interior is lined in fuchsia silk.  One of my newest faves!  Measures 4-1/2" wide x 9" long overall.

Whiting & Davis
Rare Venetian Lace
Baby Mesh Purse

I looked for over a year to finally get one of these  Venetian lace baby mesh purses in this condition.  Words can't describe how beautiful and finely done these purses are until you've actually seen one.  The detail in the tiny links and openwork of the fringe makes it look exactly like  one of the finest and most delicate pieces of crocheted lace.  One of my favorite pieces!  

Island Vista
with Jeweled Frame

Interior

Again, one of my favorites!  Just looking at this tranquil scene reminds me of our vacation in Hawaii a few years back and transports me back to those wonderful days in tropical Paradise!  The frame on this one is encrusted with tiny jewels of pink, yellow, amethyst, blue, and red sprinkled amongst large rich teal jewels.  The fringe is done in five colors intertwined and twisted together.  The interior is lined and trimmed in French ribbon roses.    Truly an exquisite purse.

Enameled "Tango"
Vanity Purse

This gorgeous little vanity purse was called a "tango" purse and is a truly beautiful item.  With an engraved finger ring, it has an attached compact with mirror and a separate lipstick.  Both pieces are enameled in a mint green with pink and blue roses.  The back of the compact is etched with a floral design as well.  Even the chain has little embossed links.  It is one of my favorite pieces!