Name/Title
Two-sided Miser PurseContext
Miser Purse, c. Late 18th- Early 20th century
5 x 34.5 in. including fringe
Gift of Dorothy Knox Howe Houghton, 2020.01.03
This is a two-sided miser purse made of a navy and black knit with metallic beading throughout and metallic tassels at the ends of each side. Both the end shapes and tassel styles differ on each respective side and there are two rings in the center to close the bag. Popular from the late 18th century through the early 20th century, the miser purse was a long tube often made of netting, knit, or crochet that was closed at each end and featured a narrow slit in the middle where you could access the inside of the bag. Two rings or sliders in the middle of the bag could be slid towards the ends to close the opening of the bag and ensure that the contents were kept safe. The ends of the bag could vary in shape, tassel style, or color to differentiate between the types of coins or items kept in each side. This would allow the user to quickly withdraw the correct items in any situation.
The purse gets its name from the noun ‘miser’ which refers to someone who is frugal and tends to hoard wealth. Given the design of the bag, the purse was sometimes difficult to open and it was challenging to pull out more than a few coins at a time. Thus, the bag discouraged spending and, in theory, helped its owners become more frugal. Ironically, however, the miser purse became extremely popular and was eventually considered a luxury item, a label that didn’t exactly line up with its namesake and intended purpose.Acquisition
Accession
2020.01Source or Donor
Adele Houghton, Rowena DaschAcquisition Method
Gift