Purse
Date: Circa 1875
Medium: Skin: leather; metal
Classification: Costume and Textiles
Object number: 1966.152
Label text:Sheilagh Verity donated on behalf of her mother's estate, Elizabeth O'Reilly. In trunk containing many items, possibly belonging to donor's grandmother, Henretta O'Reilly.
The Chatelaine purse or chatelaines were designed for function and utility. They were hooked to a sash, belt or waistband, and a sign of position of familial and social authority, usually in the position of the "mistress of the house".
In the nineteenth century, chatelaines changed, moving from variations of a hook with multiple chains to a hook with a pocket or purse. Purse and pocket chatelaines were popular from the mid-1870s to the early 1880s. Indoor chatelaines were usually made from silk and velvet, while outside ones were recommended to be of leather.
The Chatelaine purse or chatelaines were designed for function and utility. They were hooked to a sash, belt or waistband, and a sign of position of familial and social authority, usually in the position of the "mistress of the house".
In the nineteenth century, chatelaines changed, moving from variations of a hook with multiple chains to a hook with a pocket or purse. Purse and pocket chatelaines were popular from the mid-1870s to the early 1880s. Indoor chatelaines were usually made from silk and velvet, while outside ones were recommended to be of leather.
DescriptionBlack coloured leather; black enameled brass frame; brass chain and hook for attaching to belt; embossed floral design on frame; suede cream colour lining.
Not on display
In Collection(s)