Things I Love...Antique Purses

They can be called purses, handbags, and even the Victorian term reticule. Today our purses can carry just about everything but the kitchen sink! During the Victorian era ladies needed to carry nothing more than a handkerchief, some coins, and perhaps smelling salts, in the event that their corset was too tight. Here are a few samples of what's shown in my traveling museum programs.

A beaded drawstring purse known as a reticule, circa 1890.

A Mourning purse circa 1880.

A crochet drawstring reticule, circa 1900.

A hand beaded purse, with Provenance, from my ancestor Barbara Russ when she was a young girl, circa 1880.

A irridescent beaded drawstring reticule, circa 1890 with Provenance, owned by Lydia Dymond.

A unique Gibson Girl change purse circa 1900.

A rare beaded velvet purse with a spider web design, circa 1900.

A tatted trimmed summer purse circa 1900.

From my Antique Bridal Collection at a recent Bridal Shower, a silk purse, circa 1900.

Victoriana Lady Lisa- Bringing history to life since 2003

To book a program please contact me - Victorianaladylisa@gmail.com

 References available upon request.