Miser’s purse, British, 1840–49
Silk knit, steel beads, and metal
Early eighteenth-century examples of the miser’s purse often only open at one end with the slit opening set high up. The more popular style had openings at both ends with two metal rings to close off and secure the contents. These remained fashionable until about 1850 when leather coin purses began to be commercially produced. Miser’s purses remained in use until the 1920s but only for carrying gaming counters.
Accession Number: SHM.2010.B.46
