Whiting and Davis Portrait Bangle Bracelet
This is a rare piece of vintage jewelry. No costume luxury was spared when Whiting
and Davis made their famous hinged bangles.
Here's a fantastic Victorian
Revival piece, a porcelain painting imported from Limoges France, the famous
Lady in Blue. The lady is hand painted over a transfer, giving an essential
pearled look to her hair decoration and collar.
The oval porcelain is
encased in a goldtone bezel that is accentuated with inset turquoise beads. Scrollwork surrounds the porcelain Blue Lady. The back and sides have intricate designs that mirror the front piece.a
The protrait is 1" by 3/4". the inside side-to-side measurement is 2 3/8" and the inside front-to-back measurement is 2 1/8". A safety chain attaches to both sides where the catch is located.
This bracelet would make a lovely "Something Old" tradition for a wedding. It would also accentuate a wide variety of styles as it is a very timely piece, even though it is vintage. It is in excellent conditon.
The Whiting & Davis story began in 1876 when three men -
William H. Wade, Edward P. Davis and Louis Heckman - shook hands and
founded a silversmith company known at the time as Wade, Davis & Co.
They opened doors in August of that year and debuted with a collection
of sterling silver jewelry and popular designs of the Late Victorian
era, including stickpins, bracelets, earrings and bar pins.
In 1880, an office and errand boy by the name of Charles A. Whiting was
hired for 9 cents an hour. Within a short ten-year span, he progressed
through the ranks, serving as artisan, salesman foreman, and by 1890 was
serving as the company representative for the New York office.
In 1892, Charles Whiting wove by hand the first Whiting & Davis
handbag, transforming the ancient art of chainmail into an exquisite
fabric. The small purse was crafted in plated ring mesh, roughly three
inches square and featured a delicate twist closure and a simple leaf
motif on the frame.
The brand's iconic snake is estimated to have made its first appearance
in the late 1890s - a delicate bracelet crafted in sterling silver.
Throughout the years, Whiting & Davis continued to design the snake
motif into their fine and fashion jewelry with earrings, bracelets and
necklaces. One of Whiting & Davis' most rare designs is a circa
1910, double-headed snake bracelet that had been hand enameled by the
skilled craftsmen at the company.
By 1896, Charles Whiting partnered with Edward Davis and the name
Whiting & Davis was born. With the same drive that transformed metal
mesh into fashion, Charles Whiting led the brand into the Twentieth
Century - handbags introduced anywhere from 1896 to 1935 continue to be
highly sought after styles today by collectors and fans alike. These
treasures are often discovered in consignment or antique shops and are
distinguished by their intricate craftsmanship and delicate patterns.