Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Ladies Chatelaine Purse

Stunning and rare English sterling ladies purse, hallmarked Birmingham 1912.

This would most likely have been for a chatelaine, i.e. a belt that ladies and upper class female servants would have had to assist them in housekeeping. Commonly they would have attached a purse or notebook holder, pencil etc. Only the most aristocratic of households would have favoured silver for its value as well as relative durability (such as when compared to gold). 

Unusual for a chatelaine purse (which were often mesh), it is a solid piece of substantial weight, with beautifully finished floral motifs as well as monogram details likely saying MN. Quite likely a piece owned by the lady of the house rather than a housekeeper due to above details.

Weight: 103 g.

Very good antique condition to exterior. Interior does show signs of wear commensurate with age and use as household item; still a beautiful and useable piece.

Measurements: Top of purse approximately 13.5 cm length; bottom of purse approximately 10.10 cm. Height of purse body approximately 6 cm. Total height including chain approximately 14 cm.