A relic of a more deliberate age, this 1920s chainmail purse is not merely an accessory—it is a testament to craftsmanship, social ritual, and the quiet luxury of early 20th-century life.
 
We have handpicked a delightful miniature brass mesh coin purse with a kiss closure and hundreds of hand made brass small links woven together. The clasp has beautiful curvature design and is also made in gold plated brass. A wonderful craftsmanship and meticulous construction that makes this brass chain mail purse a very fine accessory and a rare collectible to be passed on to generations.
 
Chainmail purses such as this trace their origins to the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, when women began stepping into public life with greater independence. As evenings moved from private drawing rooms to opera houses, hotel lounges, and formal promenades, there arose a need for compact yet secure handbags—designed to carry coins, calling cards, and personal effects while withstanding the bustle of society gatherings. The solution was ingenious: interlinked metal rings, meticulously assembled by hand, creating a fabric of metal that was both supple and enduring.
 
By the 1920s, this form reached its artistic and technical peak. Influenced by the emerging Art Deco sensibility, chainmail purses became symbols of modernity—sleek, confident, and quietly opulent. Their shimmering surfaces caught candlelight and electric light alike, complementing beaded gowns and silk gloves without overwhelming them. They were designed to move with the wearer, draping elegantly from the wrist or palm, a subtle statement of refinement rather than excess.
 
The craftsmanship behind such a piece cannot be overstated. Each individual ring was shaped, aligned, and linked by hand—an exacting process demanding patience and precision. Unlike modern reproductions, authentic early 20th-century chainmail possesses a fluidity and weight that can only come from true artisanal construction. This purse, preserved in excellent vintage condition, retains its structure, finish, and integrity—an increasingly rare feat for objects that were once used regularly, not merely admired.
 
Today, original chainmail purses from this era are highly sought after by collectors of historic fashion, vintage accessories, and material culture. Many were melted down, discarded, or worn beyond repair over the decades, making well-preserved examples exceptionally scarce. To find one in such condition is uncommon; to acquire one is to become a custodian of history.
 
This is a piece for the collector who values provenance, craftsmanship, and timeless design—someone who understands that true luxury lies not in novelty, but in survival. Not made for modern mass appeal, but for those who recognise the quiet power of legacy.
A rare collectible.
A survivor of a vanished world.
And an heirloom worthy of the next century.
 
It is a very Victorian Era style chain mail purse. Very delicate and delightful. The color brass is absolutely intact and so is everything else in the purse. Feels like cotton soft when held in hand and thus needs to be handled with care. Needs to be kept away from water and heat, for future care and cleaning, it can be easily cleaned at home for care by dipping it in lukewarm soap water.
An excellent vintage collectible find!
 
- 1920s
- Vintage estate piece
- Brass metal
- In excellent vintage condition. NO defect, damage, discolouration. There is only one small ring missing which is only noticeable from the inside of the bag once it is opened. Please see close up videos for quality assurance.
- Measures: 7cm wide x 10 cm height; can fit essentials such as cash and coins
- Sourced from a vintage fair, London, England