Pocketbook
Dateca. 1825
MediumSilk, paper, mirrored glass, steel
DimensionsClosed H: 2 3/4"; W: 3 5/8"
Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors
Object number1971-1468
DescriptionFolding pocketbook or case covered with white silk satin embroidered with polychrome floss silks. On the back is a green parrot sitting on a branch of yellow fruit; on the front is a pink rose; and on the flap are 3 delicate sprays of flowers. The edges are trimmed with couched metallic cord. The two gusseted interior compartments are lined with plain-woven white silk, and one side is fitted with a mirror. Folded paper note sheets are stitched to the lining inside. The purse contains a package of needles and two examples of miniature writing. Three small needles are folded in a paper package printed with green and black: "R. Hemming & Son/ Royal/ Improvd/ Silver.Eyd/ Cast Steel/ Sharps/ Warrd. not to cut in the Eye". On the flap of the package are the words, "Manufactured/ Warranted by/ R. Hemming/ & Son/ Forge Needle Mills/ For/ Wm. Widdifield/ Philadelphia."
The Lord's Prayer ("Our Father") is written in miniature on a piece of paper measuring 7/8" X 7/8".
Three verses of a song titled "The Wood Robin" are written in miniature on paper measuring 1 5/8" X 2 1/8". The verses read as follows:
Stay sweet enchanter of the grove
Leave not so soon thy native tree
But warble still thou notes of love
While my fond heart responds to thee
[Indented] But warble still &c
[repeat last two lines of song]
Rest thy soft bosom on the Spray
Till chilly Autumn flowns severe
Then cheer me with thy parting Lay
And I will answer with a tear
[Indented] And I will answer &c
But soon as Spring enrich'd with flowers
Comes dancing oer the new-dress'd plain
Return and cheer thy Natal bowers
My Robin with those notes again
[Indented] Return and cheer thy natal
Label TextThis case is fitted with a mirror inside, not unlike a makeup mirror or compact of today. Inside the case is a package of three tiny needles wrapped in a paper folder; the needles were manufactured in Philadelphia. One of the early owners left examples of her miniature writing inside the case. The Lord’s Prayer (“Our Father”) is written on a piece of paper less than one inch square. A three-verse song entitled “The Wood Robin,” written on paper 1 5/8 by 2 1/8 inches, was taken from a book published in Philadelphia by John Grigg. First published in 1826, his songbook entitled Southern and Western Songster was enlarged and republished in 1836. The text of the song reads as follows:
The Wood Robin
Stay sweet enchanter of the grove
Leave not so soon thy native tree
But warble still thou notes of love
While my fond heart responds to thee
[Indented] But warble still &c
[singer was to repeat last two lines of song]
Rest thy soft bosom on the Spray
Till chilly Autumn frowns severe
Then cheer me with thy parting Lay
And I will answer with a tear
[Indented] And I will answer &c
But soon as Spring enrich'd with flowers
Comes dancing oer the new-dress'd plain
Return and cheer thy Natal bowers
My Robin with those notes again
[Indented] Return and cheer thy natal
ProvenanceEx coll: Tomlinson, Chalotte & Edgar Settig- see manila folder.
Exhibition(s)
1810-1825
Ca. 1830
1824-1828 (range of the entires in the album).
1786 (dated)
1800-1827 (compiled); some 1726
ca. 1770
