Miser's purse
early 19th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Albert Blum
Accession Number
1953-106-74
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of early 19th American fashion with this intriguing *Miser's Purse*, a clever accessory from the Smithsonian American Museum's costume and accessories collection. Dating to the early 1800s, these purses were practical inventions designed to securely hold coins and small valuables. Featuring a distinctive sliding ring or clasp mechanism that sealed both ends, they earned their "miser's" nickname for thwarting pickpockets and symbolizing thrift—perfect for an era of growing commerce and personal finance in post-Revolutionary America. Though the artist and exact medium remain unknown (with research ongoing), miser's purses like this one highlight the ingenuity of everyday craftsmanship, often created by women at home using knitting, crocheting, or beading techniques. This example, generously gifted by Mrs. Albert Blum to the Smithsonian Collection, offers a window into Regency and early Victorian life, where functionality met subtle elegance in personal adornments. Today, it reminds us how ordinary objects carried cultural weight, blending utility with the quiet artistry of anonymous makers. A true gem for history lovers!
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...