Pocketbook

CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Pocketbook
Datec. 1764
Probable placeNew York, New York, United States
MediumLeather
Dimensions3 3/4 × 6 1/4 × 1/2 in. (9.5 × 15.9 × 1.3 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by Joella and Steve Mach in honor of Cora Sue and Harry Mach at "One Great Night in November, 2011"
Object numberB.2012.4
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Drawing Room
On view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Description

This embossed, leather pocketbook is a rare survival that proclaims its origins in colonial New York City. In the 18th century, these personal accouterments were fashioned of either needlework or leather. Typically, the former were made by family and friends as personal gifts, whereas the latter were produced by professionals, such as T. Anderton, a “Book-Binder, Letter Case, and Pocket Book-Maker,” who advertised his recent arrival from England in a December 1764 issue of The New-York Mercury. Today, much of our knowledge about 18th-century pocketbooks comes from contemporary newspaper advertisements that were placed if one was lost, found, or stolen. These same notices often record their contents, which could include paper money and coins, jewelry, and other small objects fashioned of precious metals.

Related example: New-York Historical Society.


Provenance[Rex Stark—Americana, Gardner, Massachusetts]; purchased by MFAH, 2012.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Embossed on front: New York
Embossed on back: New York
Embossed on interior at left: Josiah Arnold
Embossed on interior at right: Jamestown / Sep 29 1764
[no marks]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

Champagne Bucket Pocketbook
Anne Marie Beretta
1950s
Leather and lucite
94.603
Pocketbook
c. 1750–1800
Wool and linen
B.69.244
Pocketbook
1773
Wool and linen
B.69.133
Pocketbook
c. 1770–1800
Wool and linen
B.69.155
Pocketbook
c. 1750–1800
Wool, linen, silk, and buckram
B.69.211
Lady's Pocketbook
18th century
Linen and silk mounted on cardboard
B.79.42
World's Fair Pocketbook
c. 1939
Synthetic silk and metal
96.1789
Pocketbook
1775–1800
Silk, embroidery thread, sequins, and metallic thread
95.486
Unfolded
c. 1790
silk satin with needlework, metal purl, steel beads, and flannel
2022.119.A,.B
Pair of Shoes
Pierre Cardin
1969
Leather and patent leather
86.838.A,.B
Pair of Shoes
Pecorini Creazioni
1955
Leather and patent leather
86.813.A,.B
Clutch Bag
Valentino
1970–1989
Leather and patent leather
92.558