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 | 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. (12/2020) |
| 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 |
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| Record created | February 26, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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