Description:
Man's double fold wallet or pocketbook, which is sometimes called a bill book, made of vegetable-tanned, hand-stamped leather. "In defence of / amarican liberties, 1777" in a rectangle defined by stylized hearts and crosses is stamped on four sides. The shaped foldovers covering the inside pocket have three circle flower-like designs and crosses around the curved edges. Although many worked or embroidered men's wallets survive from the 18th century, it is rare to find a leather example. Most likely, worked wallets were treasured and seldom used whereas leather wallets were used consistently and worn to the point where they were not saved. The case was made from a piece of leather approximately 17.5" long, which was folded in 4" on each end to form two pockets. An additional piece of leather shaped in a curve was inserted between the two end folds to form a closing flap on the top pocket. The three layers of leather are seamed together from the fold to the top of the inside pocket with heavy linen thread.
Subjects:
Textile fabrics; Leather; Linen Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+95.009 |
