Long Purse

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Long Purse

Third quarter of 19th century

Artist/maker unknown, American

Contrasting thread colors were often used to distinguish the ends of miser’s purses, in addition to dissimilar end shapes (usually rounded or squared) or different tassels or fringes. Women’s magazines and fancywork guides frequently recommended a combination of these design elements. As one Godey’s Lady’s Book writer noted in the magazine’s October 1859 issue, different purse ends helped users retrieve contents “by any light, however dim.”

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Long Purse

Date:

Third quarter of 19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, American

Medium:

Crocheted silk; steel beads and rings

Dimensions:

12 5/8 × 2 3/4 inches (32.1 × 7 cm) Length: 10 1/8 inches (25.7 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of Carl Otto Kretzschmar von Kienbusch, 1971

Accession Number:

1971-66-7

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view

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