Antique German Silver Dance Purse with Mirror, Coin Holders & Pencil

She brought her money, her mirror, and her own tiny pencil. Honestly, women were better prepared in the 1920s.

A miniature marvel of early-20th-century ingenuity, this antique German-silver dance purse was designed to keep a lady’s evening essentials beautifully—and remarkably efficiently—contained.

The hinged metal case opens to reveal an unusually complete fitted interior: two spring-loaded mechanical coin holders, a clip for folded currency or calling cards, an intact beveled vanity mirror, and a diminutive retractable pencil tucked neatly into its original fitted position. Even more extraordinarily, the pencil mechanism still turns to extend the lead—and the lead remains inside.

The silver-toned exterior features engraved decoration and a central monogrammed cartouche. The initials appear to possibly read CMB, although the script is difficult to interpret with certainty. An attached rectangular-link chain allowed the purse to be carried at the wrist or suspended from a finger during an evening out.

Marked “German Silver.". No maker’s mark has yet been identified.

Today, it would be every bit as charming displayed as an object of curiosity: hanging from a decorative hook in a dressing room, arranged on a vanity, or incorporated into a collection of antique purses, compacts, and feminine accessories.

Part purse, part vanity, part mechanical marvel—and far too clever to hide in a drawer.

Details

• Antique combination dance purse or vanity nécessaire
• Early 20th century, circa 1910–1925
• Marked “German Silver”
• Engraved silver-toned exterior
• Central monogrammed cartouche, possibly reading CMB
• Two spring-loaded coin holders
• Interior card or folded-currency clip
• Beveled vanity mirror
• Fitted retractable pencil
• Pencil mechanism operates and retains lead
• Attached rectangular-link carrying chain
• Push-button clasp and hinged construction

Condition

Good antique condition.Wwear consistent with age and use. Please refer to photos.

The beveled mirror remains intact and reflective, with a very small edge chip near the lower hinge-side corner. The retractable pencil turns and extends, and lead remains inside. 

Please review every photograph carefully, as the images are considered part of the condition report.

Coins, Wedgwood pieces, and other styling objects shown in photographs are not included.

Dimensions

• Dimensions

  • Closed case: 3.5 inches high × 2.5 inches wide × 0.75 inch deep
  • Chain drop: 6 inches
  • Approximate weight: 6 ounces