Antique Early 19th Century Coin Purse Ornate Gilt Frame Circa 1810 Regency

This scarce English Regency treasure dates to the 1810 period. This gilt framed beauty was painstakingly made from individual braids of Lucet cord back in Regency England. The original maker would have ordered in from her Haberdasher the plush gilt purse frame to finish her accomplished creation. 

For those not familiar with Lucet work - during the 18th century many items of clothing needed to be secured with ribbons, cords and ties: items from the corset, to the bodice to the humble purse. A small wooden or bone tool that had been used for creating a strong cord since medieval times was in general use at this time. This tool shaped like a Lyre was called a Lucet. This small tool created the most perfect braids that had many uses right up until the 1830s when a cheaper mechanized replacement for creating cords came into being. See The History of Needlework Tools by Sylvia Groves, chapter 11 covering Embroidery and Cord-making.

Size: 5" (13 cm) by 2.75" (7 cm)

The gilded frame is very pretty and it opens and closes perfectly via the original push button opener. The wine coloured and dark green lucet braiding has tiny gilded brass beads interspersed throughout. We especially like the original tassel.

Condition is very good for a 200 year old survivor. The gilt frame has dulled a little over the centuries and so too the gilding to the beadwork. There is some minor fraying to the silk lucet cording to the very edges but nothing untoward.

This fine example comes with super provenance purchased at a single owner sale of pre 1820 costumes, textiles and accessories - name given upon purchase. Please see our other fine purse and pocketbook examples from this same deceased owner.

Item ID:10968