Victorian Lapis Lazuli Blue Silk Beaded Purse or Reticule

Artists prefer a particular color of blue in their palette over all the others. It is rich to the eye and costly. 

Artists know that this particular color of blue makes hearts beat a little faster. It is a rich blue that draws the eye instantly, even from quite a distance away. It is a royal, expensive color and this is the very color of this purse. 

Lapis Blue. 

The purse is perfectly lined and features the original hand mirror that it was initially designed to hold. The little mirror is backed and stitched permanently inside the reticule with silvery gray moiré taffeta. 

The mirror’s reflection, however, is marred due to time. Although it is not cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged, it has an antique crackled glass appearance across its reflection because of the irregularities of the silver coating originally used in its manufacture. 

Yet, there is something surreal and beautiful when you peer into the mirror…because whether we admit it or not, there is that quiet wish that you might actually see the original owner peering back.

 

The purse or reticule dates to circa 1885. It is absolutely sublime…strong enough for use...but we caution collectors that its long-term value lies in the fact that it is in such gorgeous condition. 

The bag will make a stunning, eye-catching museum display. This is certainly a most special example of a reticule style from the Victorian era. 

The actual purse is 9 inches or 23 cm long and measures 6-1/2 inches or 16.5 cm across at the opening. The base is 6-7/8 inches or 17.5 cm wide. The corded handles alone in measurement are 6.5 inches or 16.5 cm. The purse's total length, including handles is approximately 19.5 inches or 49.5 cm.

Civil War Era Miser's Purse Dates to Circa 1862

From a Maine estate, this is a black silk miser's purse. It appears as though it was never used...or if so, then the original owner was very gentle indeed.  This Civil War era purse is unique and almost magical to examine, because there appear to be no openings. Yet, the strings do pull apart in such a way as to open the double pouches so that coins, paper notes or any type of small object may be inserted safely inside. The purse closes when the strings are

pulled back into place, and the openings become almost invisible.

Of course, the purse appears as though the coins are permanently inside since there's no obvious way to extract them. This is how the miser's purse got its name. 

The purse is crocheted with black, plied silk, hand spun yarn.

The silver washed metallic beaded fringe is interwoven, creating a braided effect that echoes the textures of the crochet work.  The metal ring allows the purse to be attached to the dress or worn over a finger. This miser's purse measures 17.5 inches or 44 cm in total length.