Images(2)

Purse

Date1820-1845

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumGlass, silk, silver, linen

DimensionsLength: 4.5 inches Width: 3.25 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-52

DescriptionVery small glass beaded purse with metal clasp. The multicolor glass beads form a boarder at the top and a central motif of a flower basket sitting on the ground. The bottom of the purse is trimmed with ¾ inch long looped fringe made from glass beads. The bead work is attached to a clasp at the top to make it into a purse.
InscribedThe clasp is engraved "E. A. Taylor"
ProvenanceThis small purse was donated to The Valentine by Mary Garland Todd Duval (1891-1986). Accession records note that it was owned by Mrs. Taylor, nee Hannah Jones. There does not seem to be a relation between Taylor and Duval families that can currently be documented. There is an African American women named Hannah Taylor (1894-1926) who married Harry Lee Jones in Henrico, County. Her death certificate listed her occupation as "domestic." It is possible that she may have worked for the Duvals as a domestic servant within their household, but there is not supporting evidence at this time.