Miser’s Purse, ca. 1860

Very beautiful purse from the middle of the 19th century. Crocheted in blue, red and yellow. Yellow metal ring. Decorated with tassels at the ends. Purses of this type were worn by both men and women. They were carried casually hanging from a belt or in the hand. But they were also often carried in a bag. They are also popularly known as miser's purses. They are so called because only small change could be kept in them. The small coins were put into the purse through the slit in the middle. Then the two rings were each pulled to one end. This meant that the small change could no longer fall out. These small purses were often homemade, based on patterns that were already available in fashion magazines at the time. This miser's purse is in very good condition. Subtle signs of age and use. 

Length: ~ 33 cm (without tassels)