Rectangular leather reticule or bag with incised brass, stamped gilt, tortoiseshell and incised ivory, Great Britain, 1819

Rectangular brown leather reticule or bag with an ogee-shaped flap and an incised brass catch, and a stamped gilt border and panels of tortoiseshell surrounding two incised ivory panels. The panel at the front is incised with a basket of flowers and a bowl of flowers, and the one on the back with a basket of flowers and a bird in a tree. A gilt chain for suspension threaded through the top. Inside the flap, the bag is faced with red morocco leather and incised with a pale blue cotton with a damask pattern of flower in a circular leafy trail. There is a letter inside with watermark 'BATH 1819'.

Given by Mrs W. H. Jeffery

The leather handbag was first introduced in about 1815 in the form of an envelope with a flap fastening and metal catch, rather similar to the eighteenth century leather pocket book but with a handle. Many were ornamented with metal plaques, or tortoiseshell or ivory panels. This bag contains a letter with the watermark BATH 1819, addressed to Mrs Kennedy, Capel Street, which reads 'May I request My dear Mrs Kennedys acceptance of this small Christmas tribute - and wishing you many happy returns of the day. I remain very very affectionately M. Hamilton Christmas Day'.

T.85-1968