This is a RARE piece. A true survivor. It was made in the mid 1700’s.  when:

In America there was a Revolution and a Constitution. In the World it was the Age of Enlightenment. In Europe there was a seven years war which reshaped global power. In France there was a Revolution, and in Russia Catherine the Great came to power.

It was made long before the machine age, before modern dyes. It is in poor, as found condition!

It was made with thin leather (or textured paper) over cardboard. The two part clasp is made of steel. The hook turns. There are a few domed steel decorative accents still remaining. On the interior, there is a tiny bit of what looks like red leather on the back edge. There are remnants of blue silk lining,or perhaps for an inside pocket. It was created entirely by hand.

How was this purse dated ?

I have been a member of The Antique Purse Society for many years. Because of the friendships I have made, I was able to ask my friend, and co-author of : A Passion for Purses, Paula Higgins for help. I thought it might have been made in the early part of the 1800’s. Her reply surprised me:

“It looks like it is 18th century, probably mid-18th century. The construction indicates 18th century. The clasp is unusual and looks like 18th century, as do the rivets. The shield shape is typical of the 18th century too. The condition also indicates it is quite old. This is a nice study piece and deserves to be preserved.”