Antique Victorian Cut Steel Miser's Purse, Black Silk Crochet, c. 1840s–1880s
Antique Victorian Cut Steel Miser's Purse, Black Silk Crochet, c. 1840s–1880s
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Before handbags and wallets, there was this: the miser's purse.
Hand-crocheted in black silk and armored in hundreds of faceted French cut steel beads, this long purse allowed one to drop one's money through the center slit, slide the engraved silver-tone rings, and see your fortune locked into one of two pouches. And per proper Victorian custom, the two ends don't match: a bold checkerboard on one side, a chevron cascading into solid steel on the other, so its original owner could tell her gold end from her silver end without ever looking down. Both ends finish in swishing cut steel tassels, still intact, still throwing that cold gunmetal sparkle these beads are famous for.
Wear it looped over a belt like they did, drape it on a vanity, or just use it for a stunning display. For the Victoriana devotees, the cut steel obsessives, and anyone whose love language is coin-based. Please see worn photos for sizing.
MATERIALS: Cut steel, silk, silver tone metal.
ERA: Early Victorian, estimated 1840s–1880s.
CONDITION: In excellent condition, commensurate with age. It's quite rare to see surviving examples in this condition unless it's in a major museum, as seen at The Met.
By purchasing items from Dollchunk Bazaar, you recognize that all items are secondhand--sometimes over 100 years old!-and therefore have normal wear and tear. The condition of all items can be seen in photos. If you have any questions, reach out to customerservice@dollchunk.com before purchasing.
