Description:
Man's rectangular, flat wallet or pocketbook with a fold-over flap at the top, which is is embroidered in a polychrome wool flame stitch (resembling clouds), onto a linen canvas ground. There is a piece of 20th century paper inside reading "Longstaff / (from Maine)." Cases for holding documents, paper money, letters and business cards were made by women to be used by men. The flame stitch pattern was easily accomplished, popular in a wide range of designs, and impressed people with its color, workmanship, and connotation of wealth when presented in the marketplace. Fine needlework defined status for both ladies and gentlemen during the 18th century, and reflected well on a genteel household where women had the skill and time to execute such work. Some of these wallets may also have been carried by a woman; however, the majority of these surviving accessories are embroiderd with men's names which give us the impression that they were mostly used by men. The wallet is edged in a bright orange/red wool twill tape. This tape also extends from the front flap for closure; inside, the wallet is lined in a pink, glazed plain weave linen. There is one divider interfaced with a cardboard insert for strength and shape, which makes two compartments.
Label Text:
Wallets, or pocketbooks, allowed both men and women to easily carry personal possessions, including letters and paper money. Utilitarian in purpose, these items were frequently embellished on the outside with decorative embroidery, such as the all-over flame stitch pattern seen here. The larger size of this wallet suggests it was made for a man.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2000.30.1 |
