This is a beautifully handmade purse in teeny micro-beads depicting the Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest, Hungary.  There is a young lady and her gentleman sitting alongside a stream with a bridge visible in the distance.  Snowcapped mountains serve as a backdrop to the lovely castle with its blue turrets.  It's just such a gorgeous purse and the handmade details are evident in the fringe which is all original but the maker had some spacing issues ... to me this just adds to the character.  The inside retains its original lining with pockets on both sides and the original label which reads "Ellessem Germany Handmade".  And let's not forget the frame!  Encrusted with multi-colored jewels, there is an overlay of filigree on the brass frame which gives it a 3-dimensional look.  There are 34 jewels in the frame (one teeny one missing right above the lowest red jewel on the left side) and two light blue stones (possibly sapphires) in the kiss clasp.  The chain is also heavier than is typically found on these purses and is very pretty. Measures 5-1/2" wide at the frame, 6-3/4" wide at the bottom  and almost 11" long overall.

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This is a very intricately beaded purse featuring a windmill in the background and a lake in the foreground with a sailboat.  It has a nicely beaded darker frame outlining the scene and the fringe is interlocking twisted loops in the blue and black colors from the purse ... very pretty!  The crowning glory, though, is the gorgeous jeweled frame with its high crown jeweled clasp.  The colors of the gemstones also reflect all the colors in the purse and there are enameled accents as well.  The frame is beautifully filigreed on the front and embossed on the back. The interior is lined in a lovely ivory silk with pretty pale blue trim.  Measures approximately 6" wide x 11-1/2" long overall.

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This very lovely purse features a scene of a gentleman and lady meeting under an arch of trees which look like an entrance to a garden area of some kind.  The lady is holding an umbrella and the gentleman is doffing his tophat.  To the left of them is a little dog with his paw up as he awaits their attention.  So cute!  The sky is a beautiful blue and tranquil clouds float overhead.  Now as to the frame -- Wow!  It is encrusted with 36 bezel-set jewels in just about every color you can name.  The back of the frame is embossed.  The fringe is very lush and thick and done in tightly intertwined twisted loops in intricate color changes picked up from colors in the purse.  It is such a lovely purse and one I have no run across before.  Inside is lined in blue silk with a very fancy French ribbon roses trim.  Measures approximately 6-1/'4" wide x 10" long overall.

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What a whimsical scene this is! Usually the lad is riding a horse and chasing a stag for the hunt. In this depiction, the young man is riding the stag ... just so cute!  Colors are gorgeous and the frame is absolutely fantastic with malachite and pearl gemstones adoring it from end to end.  And just look at that fringe!  It's about as thick and lush as it can be.  Both sides depict the same scene and it is in excellent condition.  Inside is lined in a light ivory colored silk with pretty French silk ribbon trim.  Measures approximately 7-1/'4" wide x 10-1/2" long overall.

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This gorgeous micro-beaded purse was made by the famed Delill company (read more about them here).  It is one of the rarest beaded purses they ever made as scenics and figurals are almost non-existent.  Probably one of their earliest creations dating from the very early 1940's, it depicts a young woman in her Sunday best on her way to church.  There is an arched bridge over a stream in the foreground and cherry blossom trees in the background.  All of this is surrounded by a garland of pink roses with a blue ribbon at the top.  And the edges are done in alternating squares of blue and white squares with pink roses.  The frame is absolutely fantastic being jeweled on both sides with carnelians. Each gemstone is bezel set in little flower-shaped bezels -- see close-ups.  Both sides are identical and either can be used as the front.  The fringe is also exceptional with a double layer ... again, something you rarely find.  Inside is lined in original ivory satin with the Delill name on a small pocket which holds an original mirror still wrapped in the original tissue bag.  It is truly a phenomenal purse and in excellent condition! Measures approximately 6-3/'4" wide x 11" long overall not counting chain.

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I just love the tranquil feeling of this beautiful micro-beaded purse featuring a quiet village with an arched bridge nestled in a valley beneath majestic mountains.  If you look closely, you can see the sun setting with golden rays just above the mountain peaks.  It is topped off with a really unique fancy frame with a large sapphire jewel in the center and smaller jewels below and on the corners.  There are rosettes in the frame that are duplicated in the fancy chainlink handle ... really unique!  The purse is finished in interlocking long looped fringe in colors from the purse.  The interior is lined in taupe silk with gold braided trim.  Purse is in excellent condition with no missing beads or damage that I can find.  The only thing I would want to mention is that the frame has a slight gap due to the thickness of the lining and braiding but it closes firmly so this is not a major issue to me.  The scene is a rare one that I have not run across before and justs has a very serene feel to it. Measures approximately 7-1/8" wide at frame x 11-1/2" long not counting clasp..

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This gorgeous purse features a fancily dressed couple in a garden scene.  The colors are bright and bold on a creamy white background surrounded by a border of aqua with pink and red roses.  And the top has a blue ribbon which is so pretty. The fringe is done in the same color as the background.  But what makes this purse killer is the fantastic jeweled frame!  The clasp is one of the biggest malachite stones I have ever seen and it is surrounded by smaller gemstones in pink, emerald and amethyst.  It even has a matching jeweled drop pendant with pink and sapphire and malachite gems!  Both sides of the purse are identical but the jewels are only on the front side.  The interior boasts the original lining with a ruched pocket and a little attached round mirror.  The chainlink handle has really pretty embossed flowers in sunbursts.  Be sure to look at all of the pictures of this stunning purse and you will fall in love with it as I did.  The beadwork is in excellent condition.  The jewels in the frame have a few chips on the malachite stones (top clasp and left corner one).  Considering the rarity of the frame, it's not that big a deal to me.  I just love it and how the stones pick up the colors from the purse.  It is a true beauty! Measures 6" wide at frame x 7-1/4" wide at bottom x 12-1/4" long from clasp to bottom of fringe.

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is a very pretty scenic castle beaded purse depicting a castle with turret on a cliff overlooking a village below.  There is a lake below the castle reflecting the tower in the water which is so pretty.  There is a winding road with fence leading to one of the houses below.  The jeweled frame has malachite gemstones and what I believe are tiger's eye gemstones which I rarely see in purse frames. The purse is in excellent condition and has looping twisted fringe in colors from the purse.  This is probably a famous castle but I am not recognizing it immediately so maybe need to do some research :-) . It has been relined in a vintage fabric with pretty trim and drop pendant is newer.  Measures 7" wide at frame x 7-1/2" wide at bottom edge x 10-1/4" long from top of clasp to bottom of purse.

First time offered!

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This is a wonderful scenic beaded purse featuring a cottage (or possibly two cottages as roofs are different colors?) with trees and grass with sidewalk.  The killer frame is extremely ornate with one of the tallest clasps I have ever seen.  There are 24 jewels in the frame if I have counted correctly in all shapes and sizes and colors.  It is truly extraordinary!  The purse is done in lovely bright colors with multi-colored tightly intertwined fringe matching the purse.  Interior is lined in taupe silk with a pretty braided trim.  Overall it is in excellent condition with some professional restoration done on the right side in the background portion. Measures approximately 6-1/'4" wide x 11" long overall.

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This is a beautiful scenic castle beaded purse featuring a famous castle "Chateau de Chillon" in Switzerland. It is quite stunning with its castle set along a lake with a stone wall set along the water's edge.  Red tile roofs top the castle with its turrets reaching into the clouds.  Two turrets have a cross on the top, so a chapel or two can be seen along with the castle. Both sides feature the same scene and the purse is finished in a lovely long looping fringe in colors from the purse.  The frame is quite unusual in that the clasp is heart-shaped and the three jeweled section is the part that snaps through the heart ... never saw another like this.  The frame itself has several tiny jewels (some are missing but so tiny it's hard to notice) and enameled designs.  It is very ornate.  The interior is newly relined to replace the shattered original but the pockets, mirror and little change purse were retained from the original purse and added to this one so that it is as much original as possible.   Overall it is in excellent condition and would make a stunning addition to any collection.  Measures approximately 6-3/'4" wide x 12-1/2" long overall.

Previously listed at $975. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This stupendous micro-beaded purse bears a likeness of the rarely seen Lichtenstein Castle in Wurttemberg, Germany.  The intricately detailed scene is done on a background of bright ivory beads that are almost white (please forgive pictures which have dark shadings where shadows reflect -- the beads are all bright and clear and have no dark areas).  The purse is topped off with a lovely jeweled and enameled frame and has a kiss clasp with two lapis jewels.  The fringe is a beautifully intertwined twisted loop fringe in colors from the purse and finish it off perfectly.  Inside you will find a perfect ivory silk lining with embroidered rosettes on a braided trim. It doesn't get much better than this ... entire purse is in immactulate condition with possibly a professional repair done at the bottom of the brown rock cliff on the front of the purse but I can't swear to that ... just a little thicker area which could be in the original making as well.  Measures 7" wide at frame x 11-1/4" long from top of clasp to bottom of purse.

First time offered!

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This gorgeous purse is done in micro-beads and depicts a Venetian canal scene with a boat and swans.  There are steps leading up to a terrace with a multi-level castle beyond.  Across the canal another castle can be seen.  It is a beautifully done purse and is in fantastic condition.  The purse is topped off with one of the most spectacular jeweled frames I have had ... there are four malachite cabochons, pearls, sapphires, rubies and emerald gemstones ... 57 in all culminating in a crown jeweled clasp.  There are some very tiny empty holes where a teeny pearl may have gone but they are symmetrical on both sides so I believe it was made this way as pearls would not fall out evenly dispersed. The fringe is interlocking twisted loops in the same color of the purse background with green and blue tips. The lining is a cream silk with antique gold braided trim. Back of the purse has the same design.  Overall it is in excellent condition with an occasional missing bead here and there but these are the size of pin heads so are very minuscule.  There are no holes or damage.  Measures 6-1/4" wide at frame x 6-1/2" wide at bottom edge x 10-1/2" long from top of clasp to bottom of purse.

First time offered!

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This lovely scenic micro-beaded purse depicts a tranquil setting of an old mill nestled in the mountains beneath a blue sky.  It is so pretty!  The purse is set off with a gorgeous jeweled frame with five malachite jewels and branches of enameled faux emeralds on either corner.  The frame also has two swans to hold the chainlink handle and a swallow on the drop pendant (a design I have never seen before). There are also enameled white petals on either side of the center jewel.  The left top corner malachite cabochon does have a chip in it but as it is original and I do not have a replacement, I am leaving it as found.  The fringe is stunning in several different colors picked up from the purse in tightly intertwined twisted loops.  The interior is finished in a dark green silk with braided trim.  With the exception of the chipped jewel, this purse is in excellent condition throughout.  Measures 6-1/2" wide x 11" long from top of clasp to bottom of purse.

First time offered!

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Pictures just don't do justice to the beauty of this French steel-beaded purse.  The colors are much more vivid and vibrant than the photos show and they reflect the light in a way that makes them sparkle.  The background of the purse is a rich blue color with silver beads running through it that are facet cut to reflect the light.  They are very bright and shiny with no rust at all and the entire purse glitters like there are little diamond jewels sprinkled throughout it.  The figures are the typical courting couple with the gentleman at the lady's feet ... a proposal perhaps?  She does look surprised!.  All of the color is in excellent condition with no color loss whatsoever.  The purse is topped with a richly jeweled frame with two openwork garlands at either corner that extend over the purse.  There are sapphire, emerald and ruby jewels  as well as a really pretty facet cut ruby jewel in the openwork drop pendant.  I believe there is a missing gemstone in the uppermost corners on each end but they are not even noticeable.  The bottom of the purse is finished in fringe in blue and silver in alternating rows.  It is truly a gorgeous piece!  The interior is newly relined in a pale gold colored silk with braided trim.   Measures 6-1/2" wide at frame x 10-3/4" long from top of frame to bottom of fringe.  The drop pendant measures 1-1/8" long.

First time offered!

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Here is a lovely scenic castle beaded purse with an arched bridge in the foreground.  I love the turrets on the castle and the mountains in the background.  This is probably a famous castle but I am not recognizing it immediately so maybe need to do some research :-) .  When I bought the purse, there was no fringe on it so I had the fringe professionally added and it picks up several of the colors of the purse and really sets it off beautifully.  It has also been relined in a vintage fabric and the original flowered braided trim has been retained for originality.  The jeweled frame is also fabulous with three cabochon turquoise jewels and two faceted ruby jewels in the corners.  There are also little enameled flowers as well.  Back of the purse has the same design.  Overall it is in excellent condition with no missing beads that I can see and no damage of any kind.  There may be an older repair or two along the top edge for stability but I can't swear to this.  It looks great to me! Measures 6-1/8" wide at frame x 7-1/4" wide at bottom edge x 11" long from top of clasp to bottom of purse.

First time offered!

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This late-1800's beaded purse features a banner-bearing angel in a flower bedecked gondola ... the bottom of the purse has the sawtooth border which is typical of the period.  The purse is in excellent condition with some older restoration and some newer professional repairs.  The frame is very beautiful with intricate workmanship on both sides.  The front side has eleven jewels which I believe to be turquoise and coral.  The inside is lined and trimmed with pretty ribbon roses.  The bottom is finished off with a looped tassel.  Measures 5-1/4" wide at frame x 7-1/2" long not counting the tassel which is another 2-1/2".

First time offered!

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I just love the scene on this beautifully done beaded purse.  A young couple is sitting in the foreground with sheep at their feet.  There is a majestic red-roofed castle in the background. The purse is topped with a frame that is both enameled and jeweled with a matching jeweled and enameled drop pendant.  The enamel shows some loss in the white sections but is mostly intact.  There is one tiny turquoise jewel missing.  Atop the frame the handle is held by two full-bodied swans and there are five lilac beads on either side which pick up the lilac tones in the purse.  Interior is lined in a white silk with a beautiful trim in red French silk roses.  The fringe at the bottom is intricately done in several color changes from the colors of the purse in interlocking twisted loops.  Condition is excellent with no bead loss that I can detect and no damage of any kind.  Measures 6-1/2" wide at frame x 7-1/2" wide at the bottom x 11" long from top of clasp to bottom of fringe.

First time offered!

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Here is a truly stunning purse featuring a variant of Nicolas Lancret's painting "The Serenade" done in 1740.  It features a beautiful young lady seated on a fancy chair in a garden with a young man serenading her.  The picture is done in a vignette style with a "frame" around it almost as if you are looking through a window into the garden.  There is a lake in the background and clouds in the sky.  The micro-beads are done in opaque and gold iridescent beads so that the scene sparkles (her chair and the gent's mandolin for example).  Both sides of the purse have he same scene and it is finished off at the bottom with multi-colored fringe that picks up the colors from the purse.  The frame is absolutely spectacular with a high crown stand-up jeweled clasp and a matching jeweled drop pendant. There are also seven addtional smaller jewels across the top of the frame.   Interior retains the original lining with two ruched pockets as well.  This entire purse is in excellent condition with no apologies whatsoever.  Measures 6-1/2" wide at frame x 12" long from top of clasp to bottom of fringe. Jeweled clasp is 1-1/4" high.

First time offered!

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This is a very rare, early, beautiful micro-beaded purse featuring a reclining angel in a garden of roses on the front with his bow in front of him while the back features a completely different view of same angel flying above a garden fountain.  The colors are bright and vivid greens and pinks while the background beads of the purse are the palest of pale greens.  The bottom of the purse has a dividing garland of pink and gold beads in a rope design separating a brown portion with large green leaves.  This design would date this purse to the mid to early 1800's in my opinion.  The jeweled frame (a later addition as the original frame was plain) boasts malachite, sapphire, emerald, and coral gemstones among filigreed enameled brass.  The stand-up jeweled clasp is especially striking.  The fringe is intricately done in interlocking twisted loops in pale green and pink with tiny brown loops at the very tips. Interior is lined in pale green silk with rosebud trim.  Due to age, there may be a missing bead here or there but if there are, they are totally not discernible and not significant in any way.  There are no holes or damage. On the back of the purse, up near the frame, there are two very old repairs that are very small and well done and only noticeable upon close inspection.  There are also a few age spots that are not bad at all and do not detract from the appearance in any way.  Check out all the pictures to see condition.  This purse can be display from either side and looks like two totally different purses!  This is a large purse measuring 7-1/8" wide at frame x 8-1/2" wide across the bottom x 13-1/4" long from clasp to bottom of fringe.

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

Never before have I seen a purse like this one ... I believe it dates from the 1800's and is knit in a solid rectangular piece which is joined down the center of the back.  The scene depicts a young man and his dog frolicking in a pond ... he is kicking up his heels in exuberance (kind of how I feel now that summer has finally arrived!)  The purse has a two-tone border across the top and this is reflected in the pond and the boy's pants and again in the twisted looped fringe at the bottom.  The frame is spectacular with what looks to me to be a star sapphire in the center, two carnelian cabochons on the corners, and sparkling cobalt, ruby and topaz jewels in the openwork filigreed clasp.  The inside is newly lined in pale pink silk trimmed with pretty little French silk ribbon roses.  So sweet!  This is a very large purse measuring a full 8" across x 13-1/2" long.  It is in excellent condition.

Be sure to look at all the photos.

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

This purse has long been in my private collection (since 2006!) and only recently have I decided to part with it to go to the next purse lover to enhance their own collection. The purse features a full-figured majestic crowned peacock on both sides perched in a lush garden on a background of ivory micro-beads.  Both sides of the purse have the same scene and the fantastic Trinity Plate frame is jeweled on both sides as well.  And even the chain is jeweled!  There are two ornate segments on either side with jewels on both sides.  One of the segments is missing a center jewel on one side but I may be able to find a match for this in my stash.  The front of the frame has 27 alternating emerald and topaz jewels and 2 large diamond shaped topaz corner gems.  The back side of the frame is the same but missing one of the topaz corners and one of the tiny topaz stones.  I may be able to match the small stone but I know I don't have the corner one.  The fringe is done in colors that pick up the shades of the garden and peacock and just finishes it off perfectly.  There are some very minor professional repairs made to the purse whch are pretty insignificant.  The most noticeable I have pointed out in the photos and it is on the front of the purse between the peacock's chest and the flower.  Interior is lined and in excellent condition.  This purse is absolutely HUGE and measures 7-5/8" wide at frame x almost 8" wide across the bottom x 14" long from clasp to bottom of fringe.

Be sure to look at all the photos.

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

Here is a purse that I have owned for many years ... as a collector of all things with butterflies, this one always spoke to my heart but it is time to move it along.  The purse is quite large and is done in jet black beads which, unfortunately, reflect the light and make the purse not as vibrant in photos as it is in person.  The rose on the bottom is almost 3-dimensional looking with the shadings in the colors.  The blues are especially rich and all of the colors just pop on the black background.  The frame is just gorgeous with sapphire and ruby colored gemstones across the front and a large emerald jeweled clasp.  There is even a tiny emerald stone in the drop pendant!  The bottom is finished off with an elegantly beaded latticed fringe.  Inside of the purse is lined in a pink moire with ruched pocket and matching coin purse, all of which is in excellent condition.  As for the body of the purse, the front and back sides are identical and don't have any apologies that I can see.  If you look at the side edges of the purse, there may be some scattered bead loss along the sides but this could also just be the backing fabric showing over where the purse folds.  In any case, as it is along the sides, it is not noticeable from the front or back. Large size ... measures 8" wide at frame, 8-1/2" wide at bottom, x almost 15" long including clasp and fringe.

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is one of my prettiest French steel bead purses and I have owned it since 2000.  I hae always treasured it for it's bright colors ... the background is a bright shiny silver and the center "flowers" are done in blue, red and grey.  The border consists of bright copper beads with some red and blue and grey accents throughout.  The fringe is alternating in all of the above colors in single strands.  Topping off this purse is a beautiful jeweled and enameled frame with gemstones in the same colors as the purse:  carnelian for the red, amber for the copper, and blue and emerald stones, all set between white enameled designs.  Even the clasp has two amber jewels!  The interior is lined in a dove grey suede in excellent condition with a little pouch.  The entire purse is in excellent condition with no bead loss or color loss or wear of any kind.  It is about as good a steel beaded purse as you will ever find.  Large size ... measures 7-1/2" wide at frame, 9" wide at bottom due to the gathers, x 14" long including clasp and fringe.  Remember that steel beaded purses never photograph as beautiful as they are in person.  The nature of these beads sparkle in the light but photos do not pick this up at all.

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is such a pretty scenic beaded purse rich with colors ... a castle can be seen in the center amidst puffy lavender clouds with a lake below.  There are flowers in the foreground and a large tree on the right side.  Frame is embossed silver and the interior is lined in pale peach silk with ruched trim (original) in excellent condition.  As the frame and scene are identical on both sides, there is no front or back and can be displayed either side. The body of the purse appears to be in excellent condition.  There is an older repair on the top on both sides right in the gather near the frame ... as they are inside the gathered folds, I had to really look to find them (barely visible on top right in close-up of frame pic).  Fringe had several strands missing which I have had repaired.  I also had the purse cleaned so it is bright and pretty.  Large size ... measures 7" wide at frame, 8" wide at bottom due to the gathers, x 13" long including clasp and fringe.

Previously listed at $1,350 with damaged fringe. I recently had the fringe repaired and the purse cleaned so the price has been adjusted accordingly. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This beauty has long been in my collection and features a full length scene of a courting couple in fancy garb out for a stroll in a lovely garden.  The colors are bright and bold on a creamy white background.  The fringe is done in the same color as the background with tiny gold beads interspersed for added sparkle.  The frame is absolutely spectacular and is done in hand-set tiny mosaic pieces in flowers and leaves.  Both sides of the purse are identical but the frame colors are slightly different on each side so you can display it whichever way appeals most to you.  Be sure to look at all of the pictures of this stunning purse and you will fall in love with it as I did.  The interior is newly lined and the purse is in excellent condition throughout with no damage whatsoever.  It is a true beauty! Measures 5-1/2" wide at frame x 9" long from clasp to bottom of fringe.

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

This beautiful Venetian beaded purse has been in my collection since 2002 and I have always loved the tranquil canal scene with bridge and the pink chateau in the background.  The design of this purse incorporates several different sizes of beads to give contrast and depth to the picture which I particularly like in these purses.  The purse is topped off with an ornately jeweled and filigreed frame with an openwork stand-up jeweled clasp and a jeweled drop pendant.  The interior is lined in a pale gold silk which I don't believe is original but is nicely done.  And the fringe is fabulous! Interlocking twisted loops in 3 of the colors from the purse.  The purse is in excellent condition; however, there are indications of earlier repairs which appear to have been professionally done.  I have included several close-up photos of these for your perusal.  They have never been a factor to me as I love the design of the purse and the detail of the picture.  There may be a bead or two missing (but no holes) or other smaller repairs that I fail to mention but I have mentioned anything I feel is relevant (see all photos for complete condition).  The jewels in the frame are all intact although the far left amethyst cabochon has a small chip in the upper corner that I did not even notice until I was taking the photos.  Measures 6-1/2" wide at frame x 11" long from clasp to bottom of fringe.

First time offered! (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is one of the prettiest scenic castle purses I've seen ... the colors are just gorgeous!  Both sides are identical and "framed" in black and gold border giving it a picture frame effect.  The castle on the left of the river has a large piazza overlooking the water with steps down to the dock.  A boat can be seen in the foreground and anotehr further back in the water.  I believe this is a Venetian waterway.  Two ducks can be seen in the front right corner as well.  All original and in excellent condition with a missing bead here and there as is typical with these older purses ... no large area of loss at all.  Frame is richly filigreed and identical on both sides.  Lined in a very fragile silk in great shape!  The fringe has long interwined loops tipped in green and there is a secondary shorter scalloped beaded fringe between each loop at the top.  Very unique!  Measures 6" wide x 11" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $2,650 ... now offered at my cost! (Click on pic for more photos.)

Here we have a very rare scenic picturing a moored sailboat with a village and windmill in the background.  The colors are bold and vivid, and it is topped off with one of the most gorgeous frames I have run across.  It is set with four round lapis jewels across the front with cobalt and white diamond-shaped enameled designs between.  There is a huge pyramid-shaped lapis jewel in the clasp, and the double chain handle is held by two swans.  The lining appears to be newly redone in purple with gold braided trim and is in perfect condition.  Fringe is done in red, white and blue intertwined loops, all there and perfect.  In fact, the entire purse is in mint condition with the only apology being a very teeny professional repair on the back lower portion that I had to look hard to find.  It is barely worth mentioning as you really don't see it at all.  The drop pendant may be a replacement as it is more silver than gold; however, it could just be that the brass plating is worn to the base metal since that portion of the purse was handled more. . . hard to say.  Measures 6-1/4" wide x 10-1/2" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $2,200. (Click on pic for more photos.)

Made in Vienna by Ada Grunfeld (whose label is inside), this lovely purse is done in tiny beads and pictures a fraulein gazing out toward the mountains from a terrace. The sky is done in tones of lilac, blue, cream and pinks and looks like a sunset.  This entire picture is framed in by a black border with tiny white lines outlining it and sectioning it off ... very unusual treatment and very eye-appealing.  Fringe is a lovely intertwined looped fringe in lilac and greens in tones of the purse.  Interior lining is in excellent shape.  Frame is set with little sapphire & pearl gems all around the front and two large sapphires in the clasp.  Purse is in excellent condition with no noticeable bead loss or damage.  It is just beautiful! Measures 8" wide x 12" long.

Previously listed at $2,600. (Click on pic for more photos.)

I just love the peaceful tranquility of this micro-beaded purse.  There is a house in the background with a mill in front and a waterwheel spilling into a stream.  You can see a bridge and a path winding along both sides.  There is a fisherman perched on a rock on one side with a sheep (or horse) grazing in the grass behind him.  Across the stream is a lady, probably his wife, beckoning to him.  Trees are in full bloom, and the water seems to flow right into the fringe in a cascade of colors.  Now let your eyes stray to the frame on this beauty ... it is set with cut jewels in various colors as well as jewels set in the clasp.  Interior is lined in green silk with French ribbon rosebud trim.  The purse is in fantastic condition with no bead loss that I can see.  It is really exquisite!  Measures 6" wide x 9-1/2" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $2,650. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is an absolutely FABULOUS beaded purse with an outstanding carnelian and pearl jeweled frame with enameled trim.  The scene is a mansion (looks like the White House!) with a reflection pool in front set in a vignette of flowers and trees.  It actually gives you the feeling that you're peeking through a lush garden and can see the mansion off in the distance.  It is really fantastic!  The colors are rich and vivid, and the beads are extremely tiny.  A true work of art!  The clasp has two carnelians as well, and the fringe is intertwined long beaded loops in cream and green.  Interior is lined in burgundy with a little pocket.  Entire purse is is MINT condition and quite striking!  Purses of this quality are getting harder and harder to find ... unlike some designs that you will find again,  this is  a rare pattern that I have not seen before.  Measures almost 8" wide x 11-1/2" long from tip to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $2,650. (Click on pic for more photos.)

Now you are looking at another of my personal favorites ... this one reminds me of desert sands and palm trees and has an Egyptian feel to it (in my opinion anyway) with a little gazebo in the center.  The enameled frame is snowy white on the front with incised decorations cut into it.  It has a turquoise stone set in the center and in the clasp as well.  The purse itself is done in very tiny micro beads and is in MINT condition.  Both sides are identical except for the frame, which is white enameled on the front and embossed brass on the back.  Interior lining is too perfect to be original so was probably a recent replacement.  It is white silk with a braided border that matches the purse so exactly that you would never know it wasn't original.  Fringe is done in purple, clear, and aqua colors of the purse.  This is a magnificent piece in a very rare design!  Measures 5-1/2" wide at frame, 7" wide at bottom, and 9-1/2" long.

Previously listed at $2,399. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This purse would be a bit earlier than most that you see ... in fact, it was probably a reticule at the beginning of its existence in the latter 1800's.  It was probably updated in the 20's when framed purses became popular and this jeweled frame was placed on it.  This is only a deductive guess ... the frame could very well be original.  The lovely design features a woman with a cow and a lad on a donkey with a sheep in between walking down a country lane with barn and farmouse in the background.  The bottom portion of the purse is done in a deep cobalt blue with flowering cornucopias all around and finished in a pink and blue tassel with the same beads that were used in the purse.  The frame is set with six jewels:  2 red, 2 blue, and 2 green.  Interior has been relined at some point with navy blue satin.  The front of the purse has one extremely tiny repair by the donkey's front leg, very well done and I found it by feel rather than sight.  The back of the purse has two areas that have been mended:  one in the sky and one in front of the donkey's head.  These are very old repairs and are expertly done and not a detriment to such a lovely piece and are taken into account in pricing. Measures 6" wide at frame x 12" long from clasp to bottom of tassel.

Previously listed at $1,699. (Click on pic for more photos.)

Scenic beaded purses are so hard to find and this one is a fantastic example.  Tiny, tiny beads knit into this intricate design of a walled roadway leading to a gate behind which can be seen a towering castle on the left and a lake ahead.  Across the lake another castle and purple mountains can be seen.  A bright orange sun is sinking in the sky above the horizon.  Fringe is intricately done in four colors from the purse in tightly twisted interlocking loops.  Interior is lined in a deep blue with pink rose braided trim.  Gold embossed frame and double chainlink handle finish it off.  Purse is in MINT condition!  Rare size ... measures 6-1/2" wide at frame x 8" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $1,800. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is another of those lovely fine-beaded purses that feel like silk to the touch.  Very tiny glass beads intricately knit into a lovely scene of a tranquil windmill alongside a lake with ducks swimming.  There is another house in the background as well.  The scenic portion is done in a vignette at the top, and the bottom is finished with a row of flowered cornucopias and the most beautiful rich blue fringe that alternates with other colors from the purse.  The blue is so vibrant is almost glows!  The gold frame is encrusted with tiny diamond-like stones (28 total) on both sides for a very elegant look.  Lined in ivory silk, this little beauty is in MINT condition!  One of the finest purses we currently have to offer....  Measures 5" wide x 8" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $1,599. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is an outstanding beaded purse with a killer jeweled and enameled frame.  The clasp is a filigreed fan with 7 jewels just in it!   The jewels are all present, and there is only one tiny area of green enamel chipped (visible in frame pic). Condition of the purse is also fantastic ... there are no holes or missing beads, fringe is perfect, and lining is all intact with only a very tiny split or two in the very bottom.  It even still has its original matching mirror!  The fringe on this one is thick and lush and is tipped in vibrant colors of gold, red, and green from the purse.  All original -- all excellent -- this is a real beauty!   Measures 8" wide x over 14" long to bottom of fringe . . . a very large size.

Previously listed at $1,599. (Click on pic for more photos.)

This is such a lovely beaded purse in really pretty colors.  I love the shape of it ... this one has the gathered pinwheel shape to the bottom with a single beaded tassle ... which also dates it to the 1800's.  The tops, however, is finished in an unusual manner.  Instead of being a reticule with a drawcord, this one has a frame which is the way it was done originally.  The frame on this one is a true masterpiece with three large pillow cabochon carnelians and enameled daisies and leaves all set on a brass filigreed backing.  Voila!  The interior has been newly relined in white silk with pink French ribbon rose trim.   The condition of the purse itself is exemplary.  I can only see a bead or two missing here and there ... nothing major at all.  And there is one early -- and appears to be professionally done -- repair.  This is to be expected in a bag of this age.  It is on the front of the purse and is visible in the photo above but only if you know exactly where to look as it blends in so perfectly (hint ... it's about half way down and to the right side of the long orange flower).  This is a very large purse ... measures a bit over 7" across at the frame, 8" across the bottom, and 12-1/2" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $1,350. (Click on pic for more photos.)

Here we have a truly unique steel-beaded purse with two different figural scenes on the front and back.  The front features a young boy sitting alongside a stream with his fishing rod in hand.  There is a fence in the background and a well to the left with water in it.  I'm not sure what the wooden framework is above his head ... perhaps part of a dock with thatched cover?  I just can't tell.  Colors are very vibrant in person with bright orange-red, blue, pale silver, green, browns and golds, all quite sparkly.  The back of the purse shows a young lass reaching up to hang a bird cage in a tree.  The colors are much more vivid in person ... I had to fade the picture to show the detail better.  Her dress is bright blue with a pink sash and the other colors are green, bright gold, brown and silver gray.  It is quite pretty.  The frame is just beautiful ... it has enameled flowing leaves on both the front and the back, and the front is additionally embellished with three jewels across the top as well as a jewel in the clasp and drop pendant.  The top of the clasp is filigreed and enameled as well.  The chain handle is braided and twisted for an extra heavy carrying strap for this heavy purse (steel-beaded purses can be quite heavy and need the extra strength).  Interior is newly relined in pea green silk with dark gold braided trim.  Finished off in bronze and silver beaded fringe.  Excellent condition with no bead loss that I can find ... some expert repairs were done around hinges and sides to reinforce some loose areas.  It is now in great shape!  Measures 7" wide x 11-1/2" long to bottom of fringe.

Previously listed at $1,995. (Click on pic for more photos.)