Leather purse with small pockets for coins. [MJD 29/06/2010]

Collection type: Object
Description: Leather purse with small pockets for coins. [MJD 29/06/2010]
Long description: Leather purse with small pockets for coins. The purse is rolled up and has 12 small pockets. The purse closes with two copper alloy press studs. There is a small metal loop at one corner. [MJD 29/06/2010]
Geographical reference: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Europe > Northern Europe > United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; England Oxfordshire Oxford
Cultural groups: English
Person: Maker Unknown Maker; Field collector Ronald William Poulton; PRM source Edward Bagnall Poulton
Date / Period: Date made: Before 1913
Date collected: By 1913
Acquisition information: Donated: 1934
Materials and processes: Material Animal Leather Skin, Material Copper Alloy Metal, Material Yarn, Material Metal, Process Stitched, Process Forged (Metal)
Dimensions: Width: max 45 mm, Length: max 88 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1934.22.1
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 after 1800, when they will still primarily coin purses. [AP 25/09/2006]

Search terms: Currency, Bag, Purse

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