THE PURSE MUSEUM

THE PURSE MUSEUM

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VICTORIAN PURSES, BAGS, AND HANDBAGS

Early Victorian Embroidered Purses & Bags

Early Victorian Embroidered Purses & Bags

The Victorian Era 

“The period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 1837 until her death in 1901 was marked by sweeping progress and ingenuity”   Hand tools were replaced by machines and society changed in the process. It included the Industrial Revolution.

Every industry, including fashion accessories became cheaper and faster to make, and accessible to more people. Purses and bags were now required for visiting friends, leaving calling cards and carrying. small items . In addition could also show the talent of handcraft which the carrier had perfected. Styles during the era included: 

Misers Purses

Chatelaines,  tool holders that were pinned, or clipped to a belt for hands-free convenience.

Victorian micro beaded purses

Silk reticules (draw string bag) ,

Metal mesh bags

and - Near the end of the Victorian era other types of bags, that were closer to what we think of as handbags today, became popular. 

The epitome of travel in the Victorian age of the ‘Grand Tour’ souvenir purses and bags

The epitome of travel in the Victorian age of the ‘Grand Tour’ souvenir purses and bags

A Rare Oya crochet edge, Victorian Purse with petit point & felted wool  on a net  background

A Rare Oya crochet edge, Victorian Purse with petit point & felted wool on a net background

Rare Victorian Handbag with original lock & key & outside pockets

Rare Victorian Handbag with original lock & key & outside pockets

Steel beaded coin purse /Brevette

Steel beaded coin purse /Brevette

Victorian Era Sterling Framed Bags

Victorian Era Sterling Framed Bags

A Steel Beaded Miser Purse - 2 different ends

A Steel Beaded Miser Purse - 2 different ends

detail Victorian Needlepoint Purse with jeweled frame

detail Victorian Needlepoint Purse with jeweled frame

Sterling Frame with Patchwork quilted Purse body

Sterling Frame with Patchwork quilted Purse body

Victorian Era micro Beaded purse & coin purse with hunt scene

Victorian Era micro Beaded purse & coin purse with hunt scene

Vicki Schwager owner/collector
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