Coin Purses and Reticules

Black satin Reticule with narrow piece of black satin ribbon on each side that are connected with a large grosgrain ribbon bow for carrying. There are 7 crocheted rings in a circular pattern on the front and a 2” stiffened circle on the back. 5” at its widest x 5-1/4.” DATE: 1890s.

Brown suede six sided Reticule Purse in an hour glass shape with a small outer snap coin purse on each side. All edges of both are beaded in clear and black glass beads with a decorative diamond pattern and a 2-1/2” looped fringe in clear glass beads. 2 metal eyelets along the top for drawstring. 9-1/2 long without fringe. DATE: Edwardian Period, early 1900s. 2010.61.7a Red leather Pouch style purses with brass framing along the opening and an embossed Egyptian motif across the top. The clasp, with two royal lions and a center ring is the same on both sides of the purses. The red leather handles, with slight differences, are looped and meant to be carried on the wrist. After King Tut’s Tomb was discovered in 1923 Egyptian motifs became very popular in clothing, jewelry, advertising and all aspects of life. DATE: Circa 1925. 2-1/2” wide brass frame across the top is embossed with 2 Egyptian dogs or perhaps cats. Both animals were revered and in early carvings and murals they often looked so similar that it can be hard to distinguish between them. Purse is lined in purple taffeta w/a small taffeta pouch and covered mirror attached to the inside. Label reads, “Warranted crushed leather.” 6-1/2’ at its widest and 6-3/4” long.

Coin Purse, round metal purse, lid and bottom covered with black leather. The front is probably brass plated with a repousse portrait of an Art Nouveau woman with a bow at her shoulder. Inside is accordion folded in a burgundy fabric, the outside edges of the two pockets have a metal frame along the top to accommodate a tiny metal closure. A larger closure in the same style is used on the outside of the case. DATE: 1890s.

Handmade pale green velvet Pouch with tiny silver and brass beads. The top is open, along one side is a small looped piece of the velvet with a large metal finger ring. Pouch is 4” at its widest and 5” long.

Victorian mother-of-pearl bivalve Shell Coin Purse with hand painted green leaves and orange flowers. The inside of the purse is lined in a heavy red textured paper, said to be dyed red pebbly shark skin. It has 3 sections, the center section for coins.They were usually purchased as souvenirs and it probably had something hand written on the front such as “Souvenir of the Fair.” Decorative brass art nouveau clasp and hinge, original chain handle. Measures 4-3/4” x 2-1/2.” DATE: Late 1800s into Edwardian Period.A shell purse is a type of coin purse that is made from whole or trimmed mollusk shells, especially from bivalve mollusc shells. These purses are of mainly novelty use and purchased as souvenirs of visits, etc. In the past, some were engraved or painted[1] with floral or other decorations, sentimental messages, personal or place names. In many cases there was extra working of the shell, either grinding down and polishing to expose the mother of pearl or filing to form patterns such as criss-cross designs. The use of shells as purses mainly dates from the end of the 19th century, when the Victorians love of the natural world and passion for collecting seashells coincided with the middle classes being able to take holidays and make journeys to the seaside on the newly constructed railways. Visitors to seaside resorts often wished to take back souvenirs of their excursions, and shell purses were one of many items produced by entrepreneurial shopkeepers. They have been made in various parts of the world such as the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, etc
Freshwater mussel shells were often used. Because they are relatively large bivalves the purse could accommodate an interior mechanism such as an accordion to separate coins into different denominations, etc. Shark skin was often used as a liner, dyed appropriately in red, blue, green, etc