Long Purse

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Long Purse

c. 1860

Artist/maker unknown, American

Miser’s purses made during the Victorian era (1837–1901) were very ornate, often decorated with cut steel beads. These miniature embellishments were produced by a complex industrial process: small holes pressed into soft sheets of iron formed the beads, which were shaped into spheres, fired, and hardened into steel with a cold water bath. The beads were then faceted by pressing them against a flat, horizontal metal wheel and polished to a brilliant shine. Thomas Gill detailed the manufacture of steel beads in his 1830 Scientific, Technological & Microscopic Repository, where he noted that they were popular for steel jewelry as well.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Long Purse

Date:

c. 1860

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, American

Medium:

Crocheted silk; steel beads and rings

Dimensions:

15 5/8 × 3 inches (39.7 × 7.6 cm) Length excluding tassels: 11 1/4 inches (28.6 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of the children of Mrs. Charles Custis Harrison, 1929

Accession Number:

1929-175-15

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

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