19th Century Mother-of-Pearl Coin Purse with Floral Relief and Blue Silk Interior
19th Century Mother-of-Pearl Coin Purse with Floral Relief and Blue Silk Interior
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A beautiful late 19th-century mother-of-pearl purse or small necessaire, formed with shaped shell panels mounted to a metal frame and opening to reveal a richly colored deep blue silk accordion interior.
The front is particularly decorative, with an oval central reserve surrounded by a radiating fluted border and flanked by finely carved or pressed rose and foliate decoration. At the center is a dark ornamental metal mount with scrolling Rococo-style form, creating a striking contrast against the luminous mother-of-pearl.
The reverse is finished with a broad plain mother-of-pearl panel, allowing the natural nacre to take center stage. The shell displays lovely iridescence, shifting between cream, silver, gold, and subtle pink tones depending on the light.
Opening the purse reveals multiple gusseted silk compartments divided by rigid internal panels, with a small metal catch mechanism incorporated into the interior structure. The concertina construction would have allowed the piece to function as a coin purse, calling-card purse, or small personal pocket case.
The combination of mother-of-pearl, embossed floral decoration, and jewel-toned silk makes this a particularly attractive example of a fashionable 19th-century personal accessory.
Era
Date: Circa 1870–1900
Period: Victorian / Belle Époque
Origin: Continental Europe, likely French
History
Small mother-of-pearl purses and pocket accessories became fashionable during the 19th century as both practical objects and displays of luxury craftsmanship.
Mother-of-pearl was especially favored for ladies' accessories because of its luminous surface and ability to be carved, engraved, polished, and shaped into decorative panels. These cases were often paired with silk or moiré interiors, gilt or silver-toned metal frames, and finely worked clasps.
Examples of this form were used variously as:
- Coin purses
- Calling-card cases
- Small evening purses
- Keepsake or miniature necessaire cases
The accordion-style interior permitted several small compartments while allowing the case to remain extremely compact when closed.
Materials
- Mother-of-pearl / nacre shell panels
- Silver-toned or darkened metal frame and fittings
- Decorative dark metal central mount
- Deep blue silk interior
- Card or rigid internal dividers
Dimensions
Dimensions: To be added
Condition
Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use.
- Mother-of-pearl panels retain excellent overall iridescence.
- Minor surface scratches, rubbing, and small marks consistent with age.
- Scattered tiny edge irregularities and natural variations to the shell.
- Decorative floral relief remains crisp and visually strong.
- Metal frame exhibits oxidation, tarnish, and darkening.
- Central decorative mount retains attractive aged patina.
- Blue silk interior survives well overall with expected creasing, rubbing, and age-related wear.
- Some internal dividers and edges show wear and exposed underlying material.
- Metal interior components show oxidation and surface wear.
- Closure mechanism appears present, though functionality has not been professionally tested.
Overall, the purse presents beautifully and retains a substantial amount of its original interior.
Disclaimers
All antique and vintage items are sold in as-found condition and may exhibit wear, patina, repairs, losses, alterations, or other evidence of age and use.
Dating, country of origin, materials, and intended original function are attributed based upon visual examination, construction, and stylistic characteristics unless otherwise documented.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.
A beautiful late 19th-century mother-of-pearl purse or small necessaire, formed with shaped shell panels mounted to a metal frame and opening to reveal a richly colored deep blue silk accordion interior.
The front is particularly decorative, with an oval central reserve surrounded by a radiating fluted border and flanked by finely carved or pressed rose and foliate decoration. At the center is a dark ornamental metal mount with scrolling Rococo-style form, creating a striking contrast against the luminous mother-of-pearl.
The reverse is finished with a broad plain mother-of-pearl panel, allowing the natural nacre to take center stage. The shell displays lovely iridescence, shifting between cream, silver, gold, and subtle pink tones depending on the light.
Opening the purse reveals multiple gusseted silk compartments divided by rigid internal panels, with a small metal catch mechanism incorporated into the interior structure. The concertina construction would have allowed the piece to function as a coin purse, calling-card purse, or small personal pocket case.
The combination of mother-of-pearl, embossed floral decoration, and jewel-toned silk makes this a particularly attractive example of a fashionable 19th-century personal accessory.
Era
Date: Circa 1870–1900
Period: Victorian / Belle Époque
Origin: Continental Europe, likely French
History
Small mother-of-pearl purses and pocket accessories became fashionable during the 19th century as both practical objects and displays of luxury craftsmanship.
Mother-of-pearl was especially favored for ladies' accessories because of its luminous surface and ability to be carved, engraved, polished, and shaped into decorative panels. These cases were often paired with silk or moiré interiors, gilt or silver-toned metal frames, and finely worked clasps.
Examples of this form were used variously as:
- Coin purses
- Calling-card cases
- Small evening purses
- Keepsake or miniature necessaire cases
The accordion-style interior permitted several small compartments while allowing the case to remain extremely compact when closed.
Materials
- Mother-of-pearl / nacre shell panels
- Silver-toned or darkened metal frame and fittings
- Decorative dark metal central mount
- Deep blue silk interior
- Card or rigid internal dividers
Dimensions
Dimensions: To be added
Condition
Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use.
- Mother-of-pearl panels retain excellent overall iridescence.
- Minor surface scratches, rubbing, and small marks consistent with age.
- Scattered tiny edge irregularities and natural variations to the shell.
- Decorative floral relief remains crisp and visually strong.
- Metal frame exhibits oxidation, tarnish, and darkening.
- Central decorative mount retains attractive aged patina.
- Blue silk interior survives well overall with expected creasing, rubbing, and age-related wear.
- Some internal dividers and edges show wear and exposed underlying material.
- Metal interior components show oxidation and surface wear.
- Closure mechanism appears present, though functionality has not been professionally tested.
Overall, the purse presents beautifully and retains a substantial amount of its original interior.
Disclaimers
All antique and vintage items are sold in as-found condition and may exhibit wear, patina, repairs, losses, alterations, or other evidence of age and use.
Dating, country of origin, materials, and intended original function are attributed based upon visual examination, construction, and stylistic characteristics unless otherwise documented.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.