Antique Victorian to Edwardian Austrian Nissel & Sikora Evening Purse, Tortoise Shell, Sterling Silver, Kiln-fired Enamel, 4″ Diameter

One of my favorite treasures. I’ve had this gorgeous little evening purse for decades. It never fails to thrill me every time I see it. It’s the 2nd Nissel & Sikora signature purses made similarly, and the last I have to sell. The bag dates c.1880-1900. The maker’s mark and rather signature floral basket and cobalt blue kiln-fired enamel mark it as a true luxury of its time. The little bag is leather and silk, has that gorgeous front of finest cognac and chocolate mottled tortoise shell. Amazing condition for age. Still have the little make-up mirror in place within.

Very good to excellent condition for age and type. No breaks, hairlines, chips – one very tiny surface imperfection noted on our photos (on the shell). Silk interior is in fine shape as you can see. The purse is made is wide-expandable baffles, with a coin purse in center, the original mirror still within, and compartments for other evening needs, all nicely preserved. The leather is supple suede, and trim is sterling silver with hallmarks. Almost never used from the condition of it. Suede leather completes the wrist loop handle, which also is supple and excellent. Full measurements noted on the photos, as usual.

IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don’t hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we’re totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.