Miser's Purse

Description:

The miser purse gained popularity during the 19th century and was widely used until the 1920s. One end of the crocheted purse has twisted steel bead tassels and the other has looped fringe, allowing users to differentiate which end they needed to access. The center of the purse has two rings; separating the rings gave access to the small slit that served as the purse’s opening. The small slit and difficult access gave the purse its “miser” moniker, as it discouraged reckless spending.

Date Made: 1835-1845

Maker: McLane, Abby Knight

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Costume, Clothing & Accessories, American Enterprise

Exhibition: American Enterprise

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Credit Line: Bequest of Abby Knight McLane

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: CS.033867Accession Number: 63786Catalog Number: 033867

Object Name: bag, miserObject Type: Accessories CarriedWomanBag, MiserBags

Physical Description: silk (overall material)steel (overall material)Measurements: overall: 17 1/4 in x 2 1/4 in; 43.815 cm x 5.715 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a6-f8c3-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_881409

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