Stunning Antique Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Chatelaine-Purse By Henry Williamson Ltd - 1900
Please note, boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.
Crafted by the respected maker Henry Williamson Limited (of Farringdon Road, London and Spencer Street, Birmingham), the piece is fully hallmarked on multiple components with clear 1900 date letters, confirming its perfect place in Art Nouveau history.
The substantial Sterling silver oval purse component is a true work of art. Expertly pierced and relief-carved, it features a graceful reclining woman in elegant flowing robes and gown, resting serenely amid a profusion of blossoms. The intricate openwork design is alive with scrolling tendrils and flowers, beautifully framing the rich deep navy blue exterior velvet and allowing the slightly royal purple-blue interior lining to show through. Both fabrics remain in excellent condition for their age.
A small, elegant cartouche sits just below the purse opening, currently blank and ready for your own initials to be beautifully engraved — making it perfectly personal!
Suspended above is the equally impressive Chatelaine component, featuring two elegant swans positioned back-to-back with sweeping, sinuous wings and necks that curve into classic Art Nouveau style. Adorned with clusters of delicate flowers and finely chased detailing, this ornate piece includes the original hook designed to slip over a lady’s belt or chatelaine, allowing the purse to hang gracefully at the waist.
The complete piece has a wonderful drop of 24 cm from the top of the hook to the bottom of the purse, while the purse itself measures approximately 16 cm x 14 cm.
A rare and highly collectible example of Edwardian-era Art Nouveau silver, this chatelaine purse combines exceptional craftsmanship, romantic design, and practical elegance.
| Dimensions | Drop from top of Chatelaine - 24cm Purse component - 16cm x 14cm |
| Weight | 99 grams |
| Hallmarks |
Multiple marks : ‘HW Ld’ Makers mark for Henry Williamson Ltd, Farringdon Road, London & Spencer Street, Birmingham Lion passant and date letter ‘a’ for 1900 Birmingham ‘Anchor’ assay stamps |
| Era | Art Nouveau 1890-1910 |
| Stones | None |
Condition
Excellent antique condition. The Silver work is stunning, no repairs or damages. The purse clasp works perfectly, nice and tight. Chains are original, no thinning. Chatlelaine component / hinges perfect. Inside fabric is in very good condition, no holes, ever so slight fading/discolouration, noting for accuracy only. Outside blue velvet is in very very good condition with only very minor marks, insignificant. Absolutely glorious!Explore Our Collection
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Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
All purchases include a photographic keepsake.
If the item includes an independent gemmological valuation certificate (which is always clearly stated in the product description), the physical certificate will be included.
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