Floral Embroidered Purse

This gorgeous decorative item was probably stitched in the early 1900s and I suspect that the stitcher then had the purse made up professionally as it is beautifully finished. The pattern is both sides of the bag and worked in tent stitch with a pretty trailing stitched border on the gusset. It is fully lined and includes a mirror pocket. It has a snap closure and a charming, embellished brass bag top. The design might have been taken from a Berlin chart, but I am not certain.

Across the widest part, the purse measures 7 x 4.5in (11 x 11.5cm).

Even before I was a stitcher and going back to the days (or should I say nights) when I was a Night Sister at Brighton General, I collected vintage bags and purses. Although I needed to sleep during the day, I would treat myself to an outing once or twice a week which often led me to the antique markets in the Old Town. I still have a few, many of which I have had for over 40 years!