Figural Swan & House Child's Beaded Purse with Lush Fringe & Cathedral Frame

Here is a darling little figural glass-beaded purse featuring a full-bodied swan in the foreground with a house on a hill in the background.  The purse has a lovely cathedral shaped frame with a kiss clasp and original chainlink handle, both in gunmetal color.  The fringe is very lush and intricate for a child's purse ... in green and red from the colors of the scene.  The reverse side (and either side could be the front) has the same scene but in a mirror image.  Interior is lined in deep gold linen fabric which is original to the purse and is in excellent condition.  I have looked very closely and I don't believe there are any missing beads on this purse although there are different styles and types of beads from seed beads to tube beads in varying sizes which give it a great contrast.  It's just a truly beautiful little purse and must have been greatly treasured by it's original owner as it doesn't appear to have ever been used at all.  It measures 3-1/4" wide x 6-1/2" long from top of clasp to bottom of fringe. 

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Darling Little Child's Figural Beaded Reticule

This sweet little figural child's reticule features what appears to be figures from a Mother Goose nursery rhyme albeit I'm not sure which one.  There is a young boy with a white goose and a red-roofed schoolhouse with a tree in the background.  Both sides have the same image only in reverse.  The inside has its original taupe lining which is in excellent shape.  The top has its original crocheted collar with the original drawcord still intact.  The bottom features wide looped intertwined beaded fringe.  Overall the purse is in very good condition with a sprinkling of beads missing here and there, mostly right along the top edges that the close-ups will clearly show.  There are no holes and nothing that affects the design.  It is a truly sweet purse and I can just imagine the little girl dressed in her Sunday best who carried this treasure. The body of the purse alone measures 3" wide x 3-1/2" long.  If measured from top of neck to tip of fringe, it is 4-1/2" long.

Note: This must have been a popular design as I have the same purse in slightly different colors with a frame just below.

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Darling Little Child's Figural Beaded Purse

This sweet little figural child's purse features what appears to be figures from a Mother Goose nursery rhyme albeit I'm not sure which one.  There is a young boy with a white goose and a red-roofed schoolhouse with a tree(?) in the background.  Both sides have the same image only in reverse.  There is a gold frame with incised design and a beaded tassel at the bottom.  The inside has its original floral print lining which is in excellent shape.  Overall the purse is in very good condition with a sprinkling of beads missing here and there but no holes and nothing that affects the design.  The pictures will show you clearly where there are any missing.  It is a truly sweet purse and I can just imagine the little girl dressed in her Sunday best who carried this treasure. The body of the purse alone measures 2-3/4 " wide at frame x 4-1/4" long.  If measured from clasp to tip of fringe, it is 6" long.

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Whiting & Davis Child's Beadlite Mesh Purse

Here is a darling little Whiting & Davis Beadlite mesh purse with a beautiful flower design (it has the Whiting & Davis hangtag inside). It has an openwork frame with a flower in the center and lots of fancy engraving.  The interior is pretty good.... there is a slight gapping at the armpits but really not much at all.  The pictures will accurately show this.  Also, there is a little section on each side with some wear to the enamel on the beads but strangely on reverse sides of the same area so it is almost as if it got caught in something.  Other than this the enamel is in absolutely fabulous condition.  Most child's purses have significant wear and this would be near mint if it weren't for that little bit of damage.  It is really almost not noticeable to the naked eye but the close-ups make it look much worse than it is. Measures 3-1/4" wide x 4-3/4" long not counting handle.

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Whiting & Davis Child's Mesh Purse with Minnie & Mickey Mouse

Oh but this was a much-loved little purse! This is a very rare design -- in fact, the only one of its kind I have ever seen -- featuring Minnie and Mickey Mouse out for a stroll.  Minnie is holding an umbrella to protect her from the sun. Dating from the 1930's, the purse shows extensive wear and use. Little hands carried this purse back and forth to school with milk money probably tucked inside. The silver is worn off the frame and the enamel on the back of the frame is worn in several areas (pictures will show this in great detail). The mesh is pulled away from the hinges on both sides but this is not noticeable when hanging. The little handle is a braided type and it is in perfect condition. There is wear to the color on the mesh itself but in keeping with the wear on the purse overall. It is still an adorable purse and one that gives you a vibe of the child who loved it so!   Measures 2-1/2" wide x 4" long not counting handle.

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Whiting & Davis Child's Mesh Purse

Sweet little Whiting & Davis child's mesh purse with fancy embossed frame.  Original W & D metal tag inside.  Enamel in great condition with only very minor loss ... a few loose tiles under hinges but all in all in very good condition for a child's mesh purse.  Measures 2-1/2" wide x 4" long not counting handle.

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Whiting & Davis Child's Mesh Purse with Ornate Openwork Frame

This is an adorable little Whiting & Davis child's mesh purse that is perfect to use with a doll.  The mesh on this one is done in three colors ... white, peach and purple and it is all in excellent condition!  The pretty silver openwork frame is embossed in an intricate design and both sides of the purse are identical.  Mesh is all tight to the frame and it is in excellent condition throughout.   Original W & D metal hang tag inside.  Beautiful!   Measures 2-1/2" wide at frame x 3-1/2" in length overall (not counting handle).

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Child's Beaded Reticule with Yellow Flowers and LONG Fringe from New York State Private Collection

Purchased in a collection of purses from a town near Rochester, New York, which had belonged to the owner's grandmother and two were dated before 1894.  The others were believed to be from around 1900 and this is one of the purses from the collection.  This adorable little beaded reticule is done in microbeads of white with yellow flowers tipped with orange and vivid green leaves.  Long intertwined looping beaded fringe finishes off the bottom.  Top has original crocheted collar with silk drawcord intact.  Interior is lined cream silk in excellent condition.   Beadwork is all perfect excelt for two or three loops of fringe and one small pale tea-colored stain ... other than that, purse is perfect.   Measures 3-3/4" wide at frame x 7-1/2" long to bottom of fringe (purse is 5-3/4" long).

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Child's Beaded Reticule Style Purse

This is a very early (mid 1800's) child's beaded reticule style purse.  The beadwork is in excellent condition with no missing beads or damage anywhere that I can see ... it is in really great shape.  The crocheted collar and drawstrings are original to the purse and also in great condition.  This is a miniature version of the purse that mommy probably carried and is just precious.  Wooden bead and looped multi-color beads at the bottom complete the fringe.   Measures approximately 3-1/4" wide x 5" long not counting tassel fringe.

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Sterling Silver Child's Mesh Purse

Very pretty little sterling child's mesh purse that could also be used on a chatelaine or especially sweet with a doll due to its diminutive size.  The frame is richly embossed on both sides and the interior is divided into two sections with a mesh divider attached to a tiny interior frame which swings both ways.  Frame has hallmarks but are too small for me to read.  The bottom has four tiny little bead dangles for fringe.  Excellent condition throughout!   Measures a tiny 1-3/4" wide x 3" long overall!

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Very pretty little gold tone child's mesh purse that was made in Germany (marked inside frame).  The frame is richly embossed on both sides in a very pretty lattice and floral design and the fringe is a double design ... very cute!  Excellent condition throughout ... measures 2-1/2 " wide x 4-1/4" long overall.

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Sweet little Whiting & Davis child's Dresden mesh purse with fancy floral embossed frame.  W & D signature is embossed inside the frame.  The colors in this little purse are among the prettiest I have ever seen ... it is so reminiscent of a spring rainbow!  And the little fringes are just darling.  both sides are identical and the mesh is all in very good condition.  The armpit opening may be a wee bit enlarged but is symmetrical on both sides and could be original that way ... it's not a detriment in any way.  Measures 2-1/2" wide x 3-3/4" long.

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Adorable Little Child's Figural Beaded Purse with Squeaker

I really have a "thing" for these darling little children's purses ... I can just see a little cherubic child carrying this to school with milk money tucked inside.  This one even has a child's figure on the front in a blue dress and hat.  When I bought this purse, I could fee something thick in the lining so I made a slit in the very bottom to see what was inside.  When I removed what was in there, it turned out to be an old "squeaker" that would have made a sound when squeezed.  If you blow on one end, it still makes a sound but I am unable to figure out how to make it work again.  There may have been a little rubber air bag at one time, but if so, it was completely disintegrated as there was not a trace of it inside.  I am including this in the hopes that someone will be able to restore it again.  Overall in very good condition with a few chips to the enameling on the frame (both sides shown in pics).  Handle is a pink silk ribbon that may or may not be original but is definitely old as it shows its age. Measures 3-1/8" wide at frame, 4" wide at bottom x 3-1/2" long.

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Child's Figural and Scenic Beaded Purse with Continuous Scene

This darling little reticule is a very, very early purse dating from the mid 1800's and it is in amazing condition for its age!  The scene continues from one side to the other depicting a farmhouse with silo and a bridge connecting it to what looks to me to be a schoolhouse with steps.  There is a person on the bridge carrying something and another person walking toward the schoolhouse.  There is a blue design in the sky that looks like birds even though they certainly aren't to scale.  Above this is a garland of red roses.  The tiny crocheted header still holds the original string drawcord and the little tassel on the bottom is made of the same string material.  It is unlined but the knit backing acts as a self-liner.  It is in excellent condition with no bead loss that I can ascertain and only one very early repair to one of the roses at the top left edge (visible in second picture).  Measures 3-1/2" wide at top edge x 5-1/2" long to bottom of tassel.

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Child's Mesh Purse with Rare Flower Design

A beautiful blue rose is the center design on this beautiful little child's mesh purse.  The silver embossed frame is unmarked but does tarnish like sterling.  The mesh is a creamy white and the blue rose design is the same on both sides and it is finished in Van Dyke fringe (rare to find on children's purses).   Mesh is all attached to the frame with no holes or missing links.  Overall in very good condition.  A real cutie!   Measures 2-1/4" wide x 3-1/4" long.

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Whiting & Davis Rare Design Mesh Child's Purse

Sweet little Whiting & Davis child's mesh purse in a very rare floral wreath design with enameled frame.  W & D signature is embossed inside the frame.  The colors in this little purse are just stunning and in excellent condition ... bright orange and chocolate on a creamy background.  Wow!   Mesh is all attached to the frame and is in very good condition throughout.  Enamel on frame is near perfect with only one extremely teeny fleabite on one side only.  Measures 2-1/2" wide x 3-1/2" long.

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Sweet Child's Steel-Beaded with Silk Rose - Vibrant Color!

I have not run across too many steel-beaded children's purses ... probably because these types of purses generally did not last and a child's purse would definitely not stand the test of time!  So to find one in this condition is a real coup! It is just darling in a vibrant pink with the original silk drawcord and a silk ribbon rosette.  There are also gold and turquoise blue beads in the design as well as in the loosely looped fringe. It is in excellent condition as the pictures will attest.  Measures 2-5/8" x 3-1/2" not counting fringe.

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Whiting & Davis Child's Mesh Purse in Pastel Pink & Blue with Rare Fancy Openwork Frame

This sweet little child's purse is done in pastel blue and pink on a cream color background.  The gold (brass) frame is ornately embossed in openwork design and really a step up for a child's purse!  Unlike most mesh children's purses, this one is in excellent shape with very little, if any, wear.  The enamel is all in pretty good shape ... there may be a tile or two missing enamel but that is all.  All links are intact with no missing tiles.  This little beauty measures approximately 3-1/4" wide at frame x 4-1/2" long.  Body of purse is only 2-3/4" wide.

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Child's Sterling Silver Mesh Purse

Very pretty little child's sterling silver mesh with fancy embossed frame and cute little ball dangle fringe.   No chainlink handle but there is a little ring on the front where this could be attached to a chatelaine.    Mesh is all attached to the frame with the exception of one tiny ring right near one hinge and one disconnected link under the armpit.  Due to the fullness of the design and the way the purse drapes when hanging, this is indistinguishable.   Measures 2" wide x 3-1/4" long.

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Child's Pictorial Beaded Purse

This is a very early child's beaded purse picturing roses on both sides with a typical sawtooth border at the bottom typical of the mid 1800's designs.  The beadwork is in excellent condition.    The interior is lined in a very early linen material and the purse appears to be crudely attached to the very pretty embossed brass frame.  It almost looks as though a child's tiny hands sewed this purse to the frame herself.  Two little beaded loops of fringe complete the purse.   Measures approximately 3" wide x 4-1/2 " long.

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Very Early Child's Beaded Purse

This is a very early (mid 1800's) child's beaded purse in a modified miser style.  The beadwork is in excellent condition and is done in a combination of jet glass beads and silver cut steel beads (no rust whatsoever).  There are little metal bars at the top with decorative finials on the ends to which the purse is crocheted to.  These are attached to chains with a finger ring at the top.  Three little acorn-shaped beads at the bottom complete the fringe.  Measures approximately 2-1/2 " wide x 4" long not counting chain and ring.

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Child's Beaded Purse

This is a darling little child's beaded purse in a very colorful design.  The beadwork is in great shape and the little metal frame has a dark patina.    The interior is lined and is also in perfect condition.  Pretty little looped fringe completes the purse.  Measures approximately 3" wide x 4" long.

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Child's Beadlite Mesh Purse

Very pretty little gold framed child's mesh purse done in beadlite mesh (tiny tiles with rounded dome shape resembling beads ... usually by Whting & Davis).    The frame is richly embossed on both sides in a very pretty floral design and the fringe is done in tiny gold ball dangles ... very cute! The chainlink handle on this purse is exceptional as it consists of many embossed links and measures almost 3 feet long in total (17" drop).   Color is a white shade in very good condition ... all mesh is present and attached to frame and hinges.  The purse itself measures a wee 2" wide x 3-1/4" long.

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Whiting & Davis Deco Design Mesh Child's Purse

Sweet little Whiting & Davis child's deco design mesh purse with fancy filigreed frame.  W & D metal hang tag inside the frame.  The colors in this little purse are just stunning and in excellent condition ... bright hot pink and lime green on a snowy white background.  Wow!   Mesh is all attached to the frame and is in very good condition throughout.   Measures 2-1/2" wide x 3-1/4" long!

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Child's French Steel-Beaded Reticule Style Purse

This is a very pretty little child's French steel-beaded reticule in a very pretty shade of lavender with green and orange flowers on both sides.  The little fringes are tipped in gold.  There is a drawcord at the top but I'm not sure how to make it work to close the purse.  All beads are intact and there is no separation of loss.  It is just darling!   Measures approximately 3-1/4" wide x 4-3/4" long.

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Child's Mesh Purse with Openwork Frame

Very pretty little child's mesh purse with goldtone filigreed frame.  Design is very similar to other Whiting & Davis mesh purses, but this one is unmarked if it is.  It's possible the little hang tag came off.     Colors are very subtle light green and white with some enamel loss down to the gold base metal.  Mesh is all attached to the frame and there are no missing tiles.  One armpit is a bit larger where a few of the tiles have separated but I can see where they can be reattached, I just don't have the vision or tools necessary to do it.  Should be very simple to fix if it is bothersome to you (it's not to me as I don't use these  ;-)  Measures 2-1/2" wide x 3-1/2" long.

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Whiting & Davis Child's Mesh Purse in Rare Lavender Color

This darling little Whiting & Davis child's mesh purse has a beautiful lavender enameled frame.  W & D name is embossed on the inside of the frame.  Very fine silver ring mesh with thick double fringe all in excellent condition.  The interior is lined in a pretty purple silk and is in perfect condition inside and out with only one teeny little fleabite in the enamel on one corner (visible in pic). Measures 2-1/2" wide x 4-1/4" long!

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Child's Beaded Purse with Figural Cherubs on Frame

This is a very early (mid 1800's) child's beaded purse in cobalt blue and black glass beads.  The frame appears to be tin or a metal of some type with embossed full-bodied cherubs (4 on each side).  Interior is lined in blue fabric which is visible in the picture through the beads.  Some loose beadwork but 99% intact.  The looped beaded fringe appears to all be there.  Measures approximately 2-1/2" wide x 3-3/4" long.

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Very Early Child's Beaded Reticule Style Purse

This is a very early (mid 1800's) child's beaded reticule style purse.  The beadwork is in very good condition with only one very tiny hole (visible in close-up photo) ... it is in really great shape for its age.  The silk collar and drawstrings are also in great condition.  This is a miniature version of the purse that mommy probably carried and is just precious.  Little beaded ball fringe at the bottom completes the purse.   Measures approximately 3" wide x 4" long.

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Child's Silver Mesh Purse Made in Germany

Very pretty little child's silver mesh purse made in Germany with fancy embossed frame and cute little ball dangle fringe.     Mesh is all attached to the frame with no holes or missing links.  A real cutie!   Measures 2-1/4" wide x 3-1/4" long.

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Cute Child's Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse with Ornate Openwork Frame

This is an adorable little Whiting & Davis child's mesh purse that is perfect to use with a doll.  The mesh on this one is the beadlite style, rounded tops of the tiles make the purse appear to be beaded.  The silver openwork frame is beautifully embossed and the purse is finished off with three little dangles.  The enameling on the purse body is truly excellent.  The little dangles are missing some of their green enamel.  Colors are pale green, yellow and red.   Mesh is all tight to the frame and it is in excellent condition.   Measures 2-1/2" wide at frame x 3-1/2" in length overall (not counting handle).

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Adorable Child's Mesh Purse - Mandalian Type - Mint Condition!

This is an adorable little unmarked child's mesh purse that is perfect to use with a larger doll.  Even though it is not signed, the style is an identical copy of a larger sized purse made by Mandalian, so I suspect this was made by them.  Colors are burgundy red and gold on a snow white background and the enameling is all in perfect condition.  Pretty chainlink fringe completes the purse.  I hesitate to use the term "mint" with mesh purses, but I truly cannot find anything wrong with this purse anywhere.  It is a gem!  Measures 2-3/4" wide at frame x  5-1/2" in length overall (not counting handle).

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Silver Child's Mesh Purse with Double Fringe

This adorable little child's mesh purse is not marked sterling but I'm pretty sure it is ... it was tarnished and polished up beautifully.  All done in very tiny ring mesh with an embossed silver frame, it is in excellent condition.  There are no missing links or disconnects.  The bottom is finished off with scalloped mesh fringe accented with tiny silver balls.  Lovely heavy link chain handle is original to the piece and in great shape as well. This little treasure measures approximately 3" wide x 4-3/4" long.

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Darling Blue Child's Mesh Purse with Double Enameled Frame

Children's purses have always been a favorite of mine and blue is my absolute favorite color!  This is a rather rare purse in that it has a double-sided enameled frame.  The body is ring mesh in shades of blue.  The frame is enameled on BOTH sides in pale blue with a bright red accent triangle in the center.  There is only very minor wear to the enamel in the blue portion and the red portion is perfect on one side and has a teeny pin dot barely discernible on the other.  Now for the bad news (and it's not too bad!) ... the mesh is all present but it has come away from the frame in several areas and separated down the side on one side.  HOWEVER, the rings do have openings and could easily be reattached to the frame and to each other if you have good eyes and the proper tools.  I just don't have either!!  But it would be a relatively easy repair for someone with patience and the wherewithall to do it since the rings aren't soldered.  The wire that attaches the mesh to the frame is all intact, so it would be perfect when done.  Because of that, the price is about 1/2 of what it would be if repaired.  Even if it isn't repaired, it displays perfectly as you can see in the picture.  This would make a great doll purse!  Measures 2-5/8" wide at frame x almost 4" long.

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Whiting & Davis Child's Mesh Purse with Geometric Design

This is an adorable little Whiting & Davis child's mesh purse that is perfect to use with a larger doll.  The mesh on this one is quite lovely ... pale blue background with geometric squares in purple and pink and a yellow design between those.  The Van Dyke fringe is outlined in the colors of the purse.  Pretty silver frame is embossed with delicate designs on both sides.  Mesh is all tight to the frame and there is almost no enamel loss on this one ... very slight wear on fringe tips and only a teeny speck here and there on the body ... almost impossible to find.  Measures 3-1/4" wide at frame x 5" in length overall (not counting handle).

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Child's French Steel-Beaded Purse

Even though the pictures are BIG, this is a tiny child's size French steel-beaded purse.  It's size is only 3-1/4" wide x almost 6" long to the bottom of the fringe.  The purse is done in gold and silver beads and is in very good condition overall considering its age.  There is some minor discoloration to the beads but nothing significant ... the scan makes it look much worse than it is ... in person it looks a lot better!  The interior retains its original lining and pink ruched trim with only a few little splits inthe silk.  This was purchased from a private local collection and is the first time it's been offered publicly.

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Child's Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse with Orange Flowers and Enameled Frame

As you know by now, I have a thing for children's mesh purses ... probably because I am also a doll collector and love to use these displayed with my dolls.  This one is a Whiting & Davis enameled mesh purse that is in extraordinary condition.  Because these were used by children, it is difficult to find them with the enameling in good shape.  This one is one of the best I have seen.  Both sides feature a double flower design in orange and light brown on a light cream background.  Enameling on the purse is in perfect condition with no loss or wear whatsoever.  The frame has one pin dot of loss on one side only, the other side is perfect.  All the mesh is attached to the frame and it's just in great shape!  Marked Whiting & Davis inside the frame on both sides.  Measures 3" wide at frame x  5" long.

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Child's Mesh Purse with Rare Jeweled Frame

This is a very pretty little Dresden mesh purse in soft colors with a very unusual enameled AND embossed frame with sapphire jewels in the clasp.  There is some separation of the mesh at the hinges but it could probably be easily repaired by someone with better vision and tools than I have.  The worst side is visible above in the picture (I've inserted a piece of white paper inside to show the separated area better).    Other than this, the mesh is all in good shape and the enamel on the frame is near perfect with only a speck of two of very minor loss (also visible in pic).   Measures 3-1/4" wide x 5-1/4" long.

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