Antique Purses A History, Identification and Value

From the earliest times some type of bag (almoner, pouch, purse, reticule, or handbag), has been carried or worn to contain money, keys and other personal items. In the middle ages purses, pouches, or bags were usually attached to the belt or gird le. At first a pouch or small bag without metal attachments was used for carrying money. These were susceptible to being cut by thieves. This was the custom for both sexes and the pouch might be visible, hung or slung on or from the belt or might be attached to the belted undertunic for safety and so was not visible on the exterior to attract the notice of thieves. These bags were made of leather, silk, wool, or linen and were often embroidered , fringed, or tasselled. They were known by various names the almoner, worn by nobels or used especially for alms, the gipser, the script or wallet, or merely purse, pouch, or bag.

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Table of Contents:

Cover

Contents

History

Beaded

Mesh

Miscellaneous

Bibliography