Images(2)

Embroidered Pocketbook

Period1793

MediumPlied silk thread, cotton canvas, silk, and wool

Dimensions3.13 × 5 × 0.63 in. (7.9 × 12.7 × 1.6 cm)

SignedThe pocketbook includes what appear to be the initials "M G" and the date "1793."

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. C. E. Quentin, 1932

Object number1995.523

DescriptionA small rectangular pocketbook consisting of a cotton canvas ground worked in plied silk thread in shades of rich dark red, rose pink, forest green, grass green, and golden tan. The entire canvas surface is worked in Queen stitch in a strawberry motif set within a grid of diamond panels. A slightly shaped deep front flap fastened with a steel hook and thread looped eye opens to reveal two gusseted compartments and a central open fold with two pale yellow wool flannel leaves edged in green silk thread buttonhole stitch. The case's interior is completely lined with lightweight olive green silk. The edges of the pocketbook are bound with narrow dark green woven corded cotton tape. Along the top edge of the front panel is worked the inscription "M G 1793."
Curatorial RemarksThis charming little pocketbook includes two soft wool flannel leaves within its compartments, handy for storing and protecting sewing needles and pins. The case's diminutive size, coupled with the inclusion of needle flannel, indicates its owner was a woman. According to donor records, that owner was Nannie Tucker. The initials on the case, however, appear to read "M G," which may hint the case was made by an unknown friend or relative as a gift for Nannie, who would have been fifteen years old in 1793, the year the little pocketbook was completed. The use of the difficult Queen stitch for the surface of the case is a clear indication of the skills of its unknown maker, who almost certainly received excellent embroidery instruction as a young girl.NotesAccording to donor records, this little pocketbook and needlecase, along with two dresses, a cap, and a cape, "all belonged to Nannie Tucker, daughter of Samuel Tucker, an ancestor of Mrs. Quentin." Nannie Tucker may be the daughter of Essex County resident Samuel Tucker (1750 - ?), who married Patty Line (1763 - 1834) in 1776. The couple had at least four children, all girls, including Sally (1775 - 1839), Nancy (Nanny) (1778 - ?), Polly (1782 - ) and Chloe (1782 - 1853).

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