Miser's Purse, ca. 1873

Blue beaded miser's purse, dated 1873. Origin: Germany. Very good to excelent condition. The miser's purse was in style in the mid to late 1800's. Carried by both men and women to contain money, they were flipped over a belt, held in the hand, or kept in a pocket. The metal rings push down to contain the coins, which were inserted into a small slit opening at the middle of the bag. These purses were often hand made from patterns found in the magazines of the time.