Purses 1700’s & The Georgian Era 1714 - 1837

Stylish Velvet Gaming Bags of the 1700s

Gaming Purse France - velvet and metal embroidery & acorn tassels

Velvet Gaming Bags 1600- 1700

In Europe, both Women and Men played cards or ‘gaming’. This one is a typical high fashion velvet embroidered draw string, acorn tasseled, flat bottomed bag. It could hold both coins and gaming counters.

This natural dyed deep purple velvet purse color is called Tyran Purple. Snails were used to create this very expensive dye. It was usually reserved for royalty. (information from Paula Higgins, author: A Passion for Purses)

The Pocketbook 1700’s

Pocketbooks (also called Lettercase) were used by both men and women. The ones shown here were made of silk. Flame stitch wool was also a design choice.

Pocketbooks 18th century

Intricate 18th Century Shield Shaped Purses

Rare finds from this period are shield shaped embroidered purses. These are small and can fit in the palm of your hand. The metal threads used are real silver or gold. The embroidered stitches are very tiny and required great skill. The style of these purses was copied by artisans in Austria in the 1920s.

Close up of an original Shield Shape Purse with minute stiches

Metal embroidered on Velvet Shield Shaped 18th century Purse

Shield Shape 1700’s original with side opening frame

Base of a Georgian Era Sable’ (very tiny) beaded purse (it would have had a silk draw string top)

Silk Embroidered Georgian small Reticule

interior veiw

1700’s embroidered Pocketbook, possibly American

flap view showing design & technique

Jane Austin’s Regency Era small bags and purses 1795 - 1837

Unique Ironwork Jewelry & Purses: A Symbol of Patriotism

Iron wire purses (a magnet will stick)

The Prussian War in the early 1800s needed funding. Wealthy families were asked to give up their gold and jewels. In return they received black lacquered, iron jewelry and purses to proudly wear.

This distinctive style continue to be popular into the mid 1800’s. Decorative steel beads often be found on the ends of some steel beaded miser purses made in the mid 1800’s. Iron/steel will stick to a magnet and will rust.