Old Chain-link Purse...

[DAAANtheMAAAN]

Hello fellow forum goers. I happened to come across an old little trinket I found in my grandmother's basement.
Now, mind you, I'm one of the least knowledgeable people in the field of antiques, so I hope someone around here can give me an idea of what I've got on my hands...

Anyway, the item is an old chain-link purse with an expanding metal lip and clasp. I'd like to say it's tarnished silver, but to be honest I have no idea.  When I filled the purse it's about 2/3 the size of a tennis ball.

Here's a couple of pictures...




Anything you might be able to tell me will be helpful!

[sapphire]

Welcome DAAANtheMAAAN!! 

Any chance your purse has the Olympic Rings on the lid??

[kidden6968]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-1900-s-reticule-silver-chatelaine-mesh-chain-metal-bag-coin-purse-/180969363808?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a229d5960

It looks like this is what you have.  I don't know if it is sterling or not but you might want to look it over really closely for any type of mark.

My mom had one of these too but with a clasp closing.

Sorry not sure how to make that a link.

[kidden6968]

LOL  ok it made its own link   

[DAAANtheMAAAN]

Welcome DAAANtheMAAAN!!  

Any chance your purse has the Olympic Rings on the lid??

Sadly, it does not. The lid is just a flower pattern.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-1900-s-reticule-silver-chatelaine-mesh-chain-metal-bag-coin-purse-/180969363808?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a229d5960

It looks like this is what you have.  I don't know if it is sterling or not but you might want to look it over really closely for any type of mark.

My mom had one of these too but with a clasp closing.

Sorry not sure how to make that a link.

That link hit the mark.
Looking at the lip, there is a marking that says "GERMANY" and "US ZONE".

[bigwull]

check it over for any marks i.e. silver hall mark...even if its only silver plate...which i doubt...it will have a mark...unless its from the like,s of India...where they don,t always mark..their silver...i like the concertina,d opening it, unusual
here,s a gold version of yours..by Whiting  & Davis


http://www.auntjudysattic.com/product_detail_beadedpurse10.htm

[bigwull]

If its got Germany..US zone then its after 1961

[mart]

That is what it appears to be !!  Beat me to it Kidden,, was baking cupcakes !!  Even has the loop for hanging !!  Could also be a coin purse that was attached to something else !!

[DAAANtheMAAAN]

If its got Germany..US zone then its after 1961

I don't think it's that young. I just found one from the 40's on ebay that matches mine to a T, minus a pin that goes with it, apparently.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLD-ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-GERMANY-SILVER-US-ZONE-CHATELAINE-1940-COIN-CHAIN-PURSE-PIN-/150905630801?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2322ad3051

[bigwull]

I was going by the time the Wall went up in 1961/3...and the US zone was officially recognized...but... it could well be the 40,s, but it would be post 1945 

[ghopper1924]

Yeah, the U.S. Zone was technically in existance from 1946-1989, but in my experience anything marked as such is likely 1940s or 50s.

[KC]

"From 1945 to 1950, German items may be marked "U.S. Zone" (or British or French Zone.) In the early 1950s, many items are marked Western rather than West Germany. After 1989, items are again marked Germany. "

[DAAANtheMAAAN]

Well, I have to say I've learned a lot more about the purse than I'd anticipated. Thanks to you all for your help!