Purse thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Purse

1816-1817 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Filigree metalwork purses of very fine iron known as 'Berlin ironwork' were made in tiny coils and formed into patterns in the early nineteenth century; some survive although many are fragile and rusted to the point of disintegration. Others, like this example, were made of fine silver mesh and survive rather better. At the end of the nineteenth century, German silver-mesh purses and rigid, hinged purses with a finger ring were imported in great numbers.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Hand-linked silver rings, with silver frame and clasp
Brief description
Purse, 1816, English; Linked silver rings
Physical description
Chain purse of hand-linked silver rings, with silver frame and decorated clasp
Dimensions
  • Length: 10.5cm (greatest) (Note: Measurement converted from department register)
  • Mount width: 6.4cm (Note: Measurement converted from department register)
Credit line
Given by Louis C. G. Clarke, Esq.
Summary
Filigree metalwork purses of very fine iron known as 'Berlin ironwork' were made in tiny coils and formed into patterns in the early nineteenth century; some survive although many are fragile and rusted to the point of disintegration. Others, like this example, were made of fine silver mesh and survive rather better. At the end of the nineteenth century, German silver-mesh purses and rigid, hinged purses with a finger ring were imported in great numbers.
Collection
Accession number
T.260-1916

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Record createdFebruary 26, 2003
Record URL
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