2009 Record shot by L. Baumgarten. Pocketbook.

Images(3)

2009 Record shot by L. Baumgarten. Pocketbook clasp.

Pocketbook

Date1780-1800; altered 1860-1880

MediumSilk satin, enamel, gold, mother-of-pearl, ivory, steel, copper alloy, amber, paste

DimensionsPocketbook OW: 6 3/4" X OH 4 5/8" Open: 11 3/4" long Tablet 3 3/4 X 1 7/8" Comb 3 7/8 X 3/4" Lead holder 3 3/4" L

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-341

DescriptionEnvelope pocketbook of ivory silk satin quilted with chain stitches in a diamond pattern with meandering vines across top and bottom folds. Pocketbook is fastened with gold, stone, and enamel clasps on the outside and on the interior shaped flap. The exterior clasp has three clear stones; the interior clasp had male and female profile heads in classical manner. The interior is lined with carnation pink silk, plain-woven. Two interior compartments, one with shaped flap and clasp. A gusseted compartment has slots for holding an ivory tablet consisting of two pivoting leaves, a comb, a lead holder with gold cap and coral-colored stone seal end, and two knives.
Label TextPocketbook with Comb, Folding Knives and Nail File, Lead Holder, and Writing Tablet
England, probably 1780-1800, altered 1860-1880, with later pencil
Silk, gold, enamel, mother-of-pearl, ivory, steel, copper alloy, amber, paste jewels
1952-341

Fitted interior compartments house the functional but beautiful implements inside: a tortoiseshell comb, mother-of-pearl folding knife and file, an ivory writing tablet, and a lead pencil for making notes.

The pocketbook hints at puzzling questions. The gold outer clasp appears to date to the late eighteenth century, based on its style and an analysis of the metal. The interior clasp, knife, and nail file date after 1860. Because the interior enamel clasp is backed by the pink lining, the lining must also date after 1860. Did someone remodel and reline a late eighteenth century purse in the 1860s or 1870s? Was the purse completely remade in the nineteenth century using parts from several older purses? For what occasion did someone create such a beautiful assemblage of materials?

InscribedIvory tablet has pencil writing, which appears to be a 6-line verse of poetry. The third line reads in part, "We spend our hours..."

Exhibition(s)