Bag
Period1850 - 1880
MediumPlied silk thread, steel cut beads
Dimensions18 × 5 × 12 in. (45.7 × 12.7 × 30.5 cm)
ClassificationsAccessories, Women's
Credit LineGift of Harry W. Disbrow, 1933
Object number326
DescriptionA woman's rectangular bag comprised of crocheted pale tan plied silk thread, shaped along the upper edges and sewn to a bright steel snap closure frame. The frame features two small rings for a double length of bright steel flat link chain. The crocheted silk incorporates tiny steel cut or faceted beads arranged in a narrow stripe pattern. Along the bottom edge and up the sides of the bag is a fringe of intertwined steel cut bead loops. The bag is unlined.Curatorial RemarksWomen's bags or purses featuring crochet work incorporating brightly cut and faceted steel beads were popular through most of the ninteenth century into the first two decades of the twentieth century. Steel cut beads were made in both France and Germany and imported in large quantities to the United States. After 1850, American companies also began to produce the faceted beads. The beads had the advantage of being relatively inexpensive as well as eye-catching, glittering and flashing in the light when hanging from the wearer's wrist.NotesThis small handbag may have been owned and perhaps even made by Catherine Logan Bennet (1798 - 1881). The bag was part of a larger gift of women's clothing and accessories including three pairs of knitted stockings, also made by Catherine. All three pairs include her monogram and the date of construction, variously 1816, 1820, and 1830. Crocheting a relatively simple design such as this small handbag would have been quite possible for Catherine, given her skill with her knitting needles.
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