1949.9.414

Collection type

Object

Description

Netted purse of multicoloured silk squares with two gold gilt bands. [MJD 25/05/2010]

Long description

Netted purse of multicoloured silk squares with two gold gilt bands. The purse has a slit opening in the middle. The purse has a gilt bead at each end. [MJD 25/05/2010]

Geographical reference

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Europe > Northern Europe > United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

England Essex

Cultural groups

English

Person

Maker Unknown Maker

Field collector Miss M.E. Bullock

PRM source Margaret F. Irvine

Date / Period

Date made: 1800-1900

Date collected

By 1948

Acquisition information

Donated: 1948

Materials and processes

Material Net Textile, Material Gilt Metal, Material Bead, Material Silk Textile Animal, Process Netted, Process Forged (Metal), Process Gilded

Dimensions

Length 160 mm, Width: max 38 mm

Object numbers

Accession number: 1949.9.414

Research and responses

http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/bags/bags02.html: Small knitted, netted or crocheted silk or cotton coin purses are also characteristic of this period and were known as stocking purses, or 'miser' purses. By mid century these had metal fastenings and the whole was often made of a delicate metal chain, which supported sovereigns and half sovereigns, hence the term 'sovereign purse'. Chamois leather was also used, together with metal rings to secure the coins. Sovereign cases were of circular metal design, with an internal spring to release a coin at a time. It is worth noting that in North America handbags are still called purses, which may refer back to their introduction there from Europe after1800, when they will still primarily coin purses. [AP 25/09/2006]

Search terms: Bag, Currency, Purse