A wonderfully charming antique French souvenir purse from Montpellier, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1900–1920.

The little purse is beautifully constructed in brown leather with shaped wooden panels to both sides, fitted with a metal kiss-lock frame and original chain handle.

One wooden panel is delightfully hand painted with violets and sprays of yellow mimosa, surrounded by fine green foliage. The reverse wooden panel is inscribed in elegant period script “Montpellier”, identifying it as a souvenir of the historic southern French city.

The purse opens to reveal its original pale silk-lined interior with separate compartment.

At only 5 inches wide, this was a wonderfully dainty little piece – likely bought as a fashionable keepsake or souvenir of a visit to Montpellier during the early years of the 20th century.

The combination of French provenance, hand-painted wooden panels, leather construction and original chain makes this a particularly appealing survivor and a beautiful decorative piece in its own right.

Dimensions:

Approximately 5” × 2½” (12.7 × 6.4 cm)

Chain drop approximately 4½” (11.4 cm)

Condition:

Good antique condition with considerable period character. There is age-related wear and creasing to the leather, rubbing and losses to areas of the original hand-painted floral decoration, patination to the metal fittings and wear/staining to the original silk lining. Please refer closely to the photographs, which form part of the description.