A Victorian Purse- Miniature Novelty Purse - Made from a Natural Sea Shell - Circa 1880 to 1900

This fabulous little shell purse is a delightful Victorian antique.  It dates from the end of the 19th Century. The Victorians loved the natural world and seashells were much admired at that time. Also in those times the Victorian middle classes were beginning to enjoy a trip to the seaside on the new railways.   They wanted to buy a little souvenir of their day out and little purses made out of natural seashell were just the job!  You often find plain pieces of mother of pearl mounted onto coin purses, sometimes with painted decorations with the name of the resort or a sentimental message.  This Victorian shell purse is just like a miniature handbag. This little purse is about the right size to hold a few coins or maybe a thimble so it may appeal to collectors of sewing accessories too.  It has a plain shiny mother of pearl interior and a textured carved outside.  The shell has green and brown tones on white and has a criss cross design. It has natural colours and some of the lovely mother of pearl shows through in places.  The whole shell has been edged with white metal.  The metal frame opens on a hinge and shuts with a secure 'kissing' type clasp and there is a little chain on it too. The chain on this item is 5 inches in total and the purse measures just 1inch by 1.75 inches. It is oval in shape and in brilliant condition.   It would appeal to collectors of miniature antiques and also those who love antique and collectable dolls, teddies and tiny accessories too.

ACCESSORY DETAILS

Designer or Brand: None

Condition: Very Good

Decade: 1880s

Era: Antique, 19th Century, Victorian

Type: Novelty Bags, Shell Purses, Miniature Purse

Material: Natural Shell and Metal