Is this the most heavily hallmarked gold coin purse? Or silver?

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by Alexander123, Feb 1, 2026.

  1. Alexander123

    Alexander123 Member

    I rarely come across coin purses with as many as five hallmarks. I am honestly shocked. The purse has a very interesting opening and expanding mechanism at the neck. It weighs 40 grams.


    I went to a jeweler and they tested it for 9 karat gold. They said it is not gold. But I do not trust them.


    Each photo shows a hallmark and next to it a magnified microscope close up. Is this gold?
    IMG_5872.jpeg IMG_5871.jpeg IMG_5868.jpeg IMG_5869.jpeg IMG_5874.jpeg IMG_5870.jpeg IMG_5873.jpeg
     
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  2. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    https://vfrtrn.nofreetee.shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2827&products_id=27907

    vs

    https://www.etsy.com/hk-en/listing/693474636/antique-victorian-21-k-yellow-gold-cork


    or...
    https://www.etsy.com/se-en/listing/...557573b64fd771092d74db57890f16e72c:1136518809

    at least the last one shows an X-ray ......... but ??:confused:

    None of the above show any markings similar to yours.....:wideyed:

    1st , those are not hallmarks........ , the star , likely being a makers mark , but the others that I can't clearly see , could be metal marks.
    What looks like a head ...with 3 numbers .... may need a closer look .
    Otherwise , I don't , or can't see any gold marks I recognize.

    Let's see what others have to say , before coming to any conclusions...
     
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  3. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    silver is a possibility too
     
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  4. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    That last one looks like it could have the number 925 imperfectly stamped in the lower right corner. The expanding mouth may be gilt sterling, but the mesh body looks more like brass.

    I'm seeing many styles of small bags being called this, but this is one style sometimes called a miser's purse.

    Before seeing the photos, the mention of profuse markings made me think Hanau a possibility, but does not appear to be the case.
     
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  5. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    It is gilded .833 silver, assayed between 1938-1984 in Porto, Portugal.

    apurse.jpeg Aporto.jpg

    https://www.silvercollection.it/DICTIONARYEUHALLMARKPORTUGAL.HTML

    Knowing Portuguese silversmiths and assayers, the entire purse will be gilded silver.
    As an aside, my mother bought a similar purse in silver in Lisbon in the 1980s, so they were still made at the time.
    That's European silver and gold for you, often marked to the hilt.;) North Africans tend to take their precious metals seriously too.
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2026
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  6. Marie Forjan

    Marie Forjan Well-Known Member

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  7. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    :shame::)
     
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  8. Alexander123

    Alexander123 Member

    It’s t
    It’s true!!! Thank you!!
     
  9. DragonflyWink

    DragonflyWink Well-Known Member

    A gate-top purse/bag:

    gate-top-mesh-purses-1917-Eatons-1 (1).jpg


    ~Cheryl
     
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  10. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    Ain't that the truth!
     
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