Purse
MakerMade by
Shinnecock People
Native American
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Caroline Brewer
American, born 1826
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
William Smith Avery
American, 1813 - 1891
Date1845
MediumHand-stitched silk velvet and cotton with glass beads and silk satin ribbons. The beads are stitched over paper.
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 7 x 6 3/4 x 1/2in. (17.8 x 17.1 x 1.3cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Percy Hulbert
DescriptionYellow, gold, pink, maroon, and white and blue abstract floral motifs stitched in glass beads to both front and back of the dark brown (or black) velvet bag. Following the outer edges of the bag is a crenellated pattern in blue beads. The bag is shaped with a rounded bottom and reverse-curved sides. Two flaps at the top cover welted pockets at either side. The bag is trimmed with maroon silk satin ribbons on the corners on one side, and also on the silk ribbon handle. It is bound with the silk ribbon, lined with plain-woven cotton, and probably interlined with leather (as it is stiff, but flexible). A pleated edging of ribbon decorates the top edge.
Caroline Brewer wore the bag on her arm at her wedding. She married William Smith Avery in East Hartford, Connecticut, on 24 December 1845. The bag was a wedding gift from her husband.
Caroline Brewer wore the bag on her arm at her wedding. She married William Smith Avery in East Hartford, Connecticut, on 24 December 1845. The bag was a wedding gift from her husband.
Object number1992.69.2
NotesHistorical Note: Caroline Brewer (b. 1826) wore this bag on her arm at her wedding. It was a wedding gift from her husband. She married William Smith Avery (1813-1891) in East Hartford, Connecticut, on 24 December 1845.Subject Terms
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