Purse
Period1836
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumCotton, glass beads, brass, silk
Dimensions4 × 2.63 in. (10.2 × 6.7 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1942
Object number1732
DescriptionA small purse, constructed of olive green knitted fabric, fashioned into a roughly ovoid shape, gathered at the bottom and sewn at the top to a molded bright gold brass hinged frame.Curatorial RemarksBeadwork was a popular needlework pursuit through much of the 19th century. The mechanization of creating inexpensive beads provided relatively inexpensive beads in many colors and styles. Magazines such as Godey's Lady's Book often included patterns and projects featuring beadwork for purses, handbags, mats, and accessories. Woven bead tapes, often including names, monograms, and dates were also popular particularly in the 1830s and 1840s. The unknown maker of this small purse used white glass seed beads in bands of various motifs, ending in a looped beaded fringe at the bottom, all sewn on to a finely knitted olive green cotton fabric. The bag was then sewn to a small bright brass purse frame, fastening with a tiny button clasp. The interior of the bag is lined in lightweight silk. Purses of this size were carried in dress pockets and could contain a folded handkerchief, coins, and other small personal items.NotesMargaret Riker Haskell (1864 - 1942) is recognized as a prominent collector of important American furniture, paintings, and decorative arts. She donated many of her finest pieces, including the 1695 Robert Rhea wainscot chair, to the Historical Association over the two decades she was connected to the organization until her death in 1942. What many people do not know, however, was that Margaret Riker Haskell also had an eye for the charming, the quirky, and the interesting. Mrs. Haskell especially prized items related to childhood life, from pastel portraits by Micah Williams to cast iron toys made in the 19th century. In addition, Mrs. Haskell also enjoyed historic textiles, including beaded items such as this little purse.
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