George III Silver Chain-Mail Coin Purse, Birmingham 1817
George III Silver Chain-Mail Coin Purse, Birmingham 1817
5406
A rare and finely made George III hallmarked silver coin purse, made in Birmingham in 1817 by Joseph Willmore. This elegant early 19th-century accessory combines a traditional shaped silver frame with a beautifully constructed chain-mail bag, creating an object of remarkable delicacy, craftsmanship, and survival.
The purse is formed from a dense, flexible mesh of interlocking silver links, designed to hold coins securely while allowing the bag to drape naturally in the hand. Its silver frame provides a pleasing contrast to the finely worked mesh and would originally have made the purse both practical and stylish for daily use. The combination of a substantial hallmarked mount and intricate chain-mail body demonstrates the exceptional skill required to make such a piece.
Made during the reign of George III, this purse offers a fascinating glimpse into Regency-period personal accessories, when even the most functional objects were made with care, elegance, and attention to detail. Silver purses of this type were intended to be carried and used, making surviving early examples particularly appealing to collectors.
Joseph Willmore was a noted Birmingham silversmith, and his maker's mark adds further interest to this handsome piece. The clear 1817 Birmingham hallmark firmly anchors it in the late Georgian period and gives it the appeal of a documented, dated example.
A beautiful addition to a collection of Georgian silver, antique handbags, Regency accessories, or finely worked metalware. It would also make a distinctive and historically evocative gift.
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