Stocking Purse thumbnail 1
Not on display

Stocking Purse

1800-1870 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Wallet or stocking purses were very popular up to the 1860s, and they survive in great numbers, although examples of frame-knitted (machine) purses are rare. Many stocking purses were netted in silk and had steel beads, spangles and paillettes with steel, gilt, silver or gold sliders and tassels; their decoration varied from the minimal to highly patterned. Often they were inscribed and dated, many, like this one, were made as gifts for gentlemen.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Crocheted silk and steel beads, embellished with steel rings, tassel and fringe
Brief description
Stocking purse, silk, steel beads, cut steel rings, England, 1800-1870
Physical description
Beaded stocking purse, crocheted in blue silk and steel beads, inscribed Samuel Stockford, with two cut steel rings, tassel and fringe
Gallery label
(12/2020)
From the outside, this small miser purse appears to have a simple construction [T.1194-1913]. However, the disassembled elements reveal many layers and components, including strung steel beads and beaded tassels, as well as painted rings to secure the ends of the purse [T.59C to M-1917].

V&A, Room 40, Bags: Inside Out.
Credit line
Given by Messrs Harrods Ltd.
Summary
Wallet or stocking purses were very popular up to the 1860s, and they survive in great numbers, although examples of frame-knitted (machine) purses are rare. Many stocking purses were netted in silk and had steel beads, spangles and paillettes with steel, gilt, silver or gold sliders and tassels; their decoration varied from the minimal to highly patterned. Often they were inscribed and dated, many, like this one, were made as gifts for gentlemen.
Collection
Accession number
T.1194-1913

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdFebruary 26, 2003
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest