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The piecrust purse received it's name because it is hand knit in pie shaped pieces that are inclusive of a distinct and contrasting outer border which defines the crust and gives authenticity to the purse. This purse has nine pie shaped pieces, all knit and sewn together to form the purse. Many purses were knit with the pie shaped pieces but if the purse does not have the defining crust, it is not a true piecrust purse. The micro glass beads that were used to knit this bag are the tiniest possible size glass beads, therefore the beaded portion of the purse is rather light weight and these extraordinarily tiny beads were used during the 1800's. I believe my photos do a very good job of depicting the complex patterns, floral displays and colors. The central background tone is a beautiful golden amber (more golden than amber), the remaining colors are numerous and include, a deep periwinkle blue (a popular color of the era), dark plum purple, pink, red, burgundy, mint green, forest green, yellow, white and perhaps a couple more.  
The interior has remarkably maintained it's original fabric lining, pocket and trimming and really hasn't suffered much from it's age or any potential use. There is a tiny bit of very faint lipstick smudge on the pocket but that is hardly noticeable since the purse was professionally cleaned. The lining is not fraying, tearing or deteriorating in any way, it's really very nice for it's age. And now for that delightfully signed celluloid frame and carry chain handle: the color is a blended brown and amber tone, the chain is a fabulous variegated butterscotch. I have looked it over very closely and under magnification, I detect no serious flaw with the frame, the hinges are good, closure works smoothly and no breaks are found. What I have discovered are those fabulous markings which help me to further date the purse. Signed by it's maker KIRBY BEARD & Cº, (Robert Kirby and George Beard), the company originated in England and adopted it's name in 1849, and a few years later they began selling in Paris, France. In 1889, they offered self threading needles among other items but by then, they had already opened a specialty shop in Paris. The frame is also signed ÉCAILLE VÉRITABLE, which translates to scale genuine. The chain handle is in secure condition. Each loop, as it was added the the one near it, was glued securely closed, but the end loops that attach to the dark brown jump loop, are not glued closed, or if they were, they are no longer, the possible glued spot has roughly separated. I could attempt a re-glue if desired or leave it as it has naturally aged, as preferred.  
The last two photos show both sides of the purse, which are identical. The fringe is original, full and intact, they were fragile and several strands were pulling away from the purse or about to pull away, so I took the liberty of spending two complete days re-threading all the fringes, all 5500 micro beads, counting one at a time....yikes. The only other issue with the purse to mention were a couple of weaknesses in the beading, I passed a fresh thread through several of the beads, for reinforcing of the existing threads. There really are no structural flaws with this purse nor any significant repairs. This piecrust purse has been very well cared for, in a private collection, for many years. It measures 9¼ inches from the top of the clasp to the bottom of the fringes by 5¾ across the hinges, the fringes are 1¼ inches in length and the celluloid chain handle drops the purse by 5 inches. If you have been wanting to add an authentic French piecrust micro beaded purse to your collection of treasured purses, please consider this rare and splendid example. My hope is that it will go back into another collection, where it will remain unused, as these purses are near extinction in this condition.
Item 6-1216 B This item is sold, sorry no longer available Make an Offer via Email We Have More Antique and Unique Beaded Purses
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