This is an amazing, beautiful little bag, with intricate hand-done beading in glass and steel. Best of all: fuchsias!! Dark purple and pink tops, palest purple bells, and green leaves. Look at the closeups to see the intricacy of detail--that background shows so much variation! The fringe at bottom is intact too, and the basic brass frame and chain handle are just fine.

Like most glass beads, these have darkened over time, for a mellow antique (and genuine!) effect. I took photos in different lights. What would have been intensely bright gold and black 100 years ago is now more evened out and mellow. The floral design shows up, but it doesn't pop at you like a 1990s reproduction.

Size is 6 inches wide by 9 inches long, including fringe. Please see photos to get a sense of scale and detail. Those are some tiny beads!

Condition is overall good to very good on the beadwork. One spot at the hinge of the frame shows very minor fraying, easy to fix with a beading needle. I can't find any significant weaknesses or losses elsewhere, but there may be something I've missed.

The interior condition is not as outstanding. Nice silk shatters in a century! I've taken pictures. You could actually use this bag, but for that you'd want to replace the lining. If you want to use it for display, you'll probably want to keep everything original.

I bought this from an estate where it was identified as French, and it has all the characteristics of French bags--the detail, color, and type of silk. The little mirror may or may not be original; its little sticker is definitely not of the era, but it's included.

Overall a beautiful and special bag that you can actually use!

From a nonsmoking, pet-loving home.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Virginia.