Darling antique Victorian clam shell child's coin purse:
~ Features a charming sentimental hand painted message of "Love the giver" - so relevant yet to this day
~ Rectangular in shape with gently curving sides
~ Faced front and back with pearl white clam shell
~ Both pink and blue forget me not flower accents on the front, unadorned back side
~ So small and petite - perfect size for coins, children, a doll, or anyone who wants the smallest accent purse
~ Delicate (but amazingly intact) red paper or woven fiber lining with three accordion or fold out compartments
~ I have seen a similar style similarly handpainted / dated St. Louis World's Fair 1904
Ready and waiting for your special outfit or day, wardrobe, collection, or gift giving - you will love this!
AGE OR ERA: Original true authentic antique / vintage piece - guessing late 1800's to earliest 1900's. Victorian in era
MARKINGS: None that I could find
METAL / MATERIAL: Clam or similar shell facing, metal body, red paper or paper feeling lining, old fashioned type chain handle
ANECDOTAL, METAPHYSICAL, &/or LORE: Mother of pearl (clam shell) is a protector and believed to bring the gentle healing power of the sea. Some believe it to be stress relieving, soothing, promote clarity and be calming to the emotions. Mother of Pearl can stimulate our intuition, imagination, sensitivity and adaptability. It promotes harmony and balance. It can enable you to express feelings of love more freely.
CLASP / CLOSURE: Kiss lock on the top of the frame
MEASUREMENTS: 2 1/4" across x 2" tall (including the kiss lock height)
WEIGHT: x
TESTING: x
U.S. RING SIZE: x
INVENTORY NUMBER OR NOTE: x
CONDITION = Great antique / vintage pre-loved condition - no major damage found to mention. Some obvious wear on the hand painted message - from age and use that one would expect, some minor irregularities in the chain - due to the hand made / hand formed nature, and some areas of silver plating loss - mainly on the right hand side towards the bottom. See last pic(s). The lining is surprisingly intact and the hardware is in good working order. This is a very fine piece anyone would be proud to own - from a novice just starting out to a seasoned collector. In an excellent state of preservation.
JUST FOR FUN - AI DESCRIPTION (Generated by Artificial Intelligence): This charming clam shell purse from the early 1900s is a true treasure for any vintage lover. The purse features a sweet message of "Love the Giver" and delicate forget-me-not flowers, making it the perfect accessory for a special occasion. Crafted with mixed materials and showcasing Victorian style, this antique handmade unmarked and/or vintage purse is a unique addition to any bag collection. Its pearly color and intricate details make it a great complement to a girl's outfit. Don't miss the chance to own this original piece of history.
"A picture is worth a thousand words"
Please view & enlarge photographs to closely inspect fine details and to determine the amount of patina and/or wear. Most older pieces by nature normally have some degree of both and, unless severe, aren't considered damaged and not mentioned. Individuals do have varying levels of desire and tolerance for "vintage charm" so do utilize the scroll arrows beside the photos to allow yourself the opportunity to view them all, as they are an integral part and extension of the description.
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Blooming Jewels 2 - For vintage to antique jewelry and goodies of all kinds - click here ................
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Clip On or Screw it - Dedicated entirely to earrings from yesteryear .........................................
https://ClipOnorScrewIt.etsy.com
The Vintage Button Hole - Buttons and misc related to creating and collecting .............................
https://TheVintageButtonHole.etsy.com