Burnell and Rowe

Description

This is an elegant Early 20th Century French Sterling Silver Mesh Evening Bag with London import marks. These bags were the height of fashion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and those made in France were considered to be the finest. The silver mesh bag hangs from a solid silver frame with a snap closure and a silver chain handle. There are no initials or personalisation of any kind.

The evening bag was made in France by Baudet of Paris and imported into Britain by Cohen & Charles of London in 1916.
Baudet were highly regard Parisian silversmiths based at 14 Rue des Archives, who were in business between 1882 and 1935. They are particularly known for their silver mesh purses and evening bags and items for a lady’s dressing table.
Albert Cohen and Charles Solomon registered their first mark as Cohen & Charles at Goldsmith’s Hall in London in 1898. They were manufacturers, importers and retailers supplying fine quality personal items to high end customers from their premises in Holborn Circus. They were a very successful company and remained in business until the late 1960s.

Condition is extremely good, with no dings or dents in the frame, no damage to the silver mesh or chain handle and just the minimal superficial surface wear that you would anticipate after over 100 years of good service. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The evening bag is 22.5cm / 8.8ins from the top of the handle to the bottom of the mesh bag and 12.4cm / 4.9ins across. It weighs in at a substantial 119.0g / 4.2oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The original French hallmarks are quite rubbed but the diamond shaped mark with BAUDET above a donkey is still clear to read on the clasp. The British import hallmarks on the frame are nice and clear to read. They show the 925 stamp for 925/1000 grade Sterling Silver, the Leo astrological sign assay mark for London imports, the date letter a for 1916 and the C & C importers' mark for Cohen & Charles.

Shipping in the UK is £11 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the mesh bag.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.