Pocketbook

Date1766 (dated)

Owner William Brogdon

OriginEngland; used in America, Chesapeake

MediumLeather, paper, brass, ink, gilding

DimensionsOverall: 5 x 7 1/2in. (closed)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2011-120

DescriptionMan's red Morocco leather folding pocketbook trimmed and marked in gilding under the flap, "WILLIAM BROGDON 1766." Brass clasp closure has half broken off. Wallet opens to reveal brown tooled leather lining and pockets lined with marbleized paper. An ink inscription on the interior reads "2 June--to be at Queen Ann." Torn printed paper fragment glued to interior reads "Table of...Pass in Eng...Ster...English".
Label TextWilliam Brogdon, whose name is stamped on this pocketbook, was an Episcopalian minister who led congregations in Maryland and who purchased a farm in Ann Arundel County. The paper in the pocketbook is his 1735 commission to preach in Virginia.