#7235 $2,950
Folding needlepoint pocketbook with provenance, c.1759
This man's folding pocketbook comes with impeccable provenance. It is very rare to find an important mid-18th century historical artifact with rock solid provenance. The name of the original owner, Josiah Stone, is embroidered on the inside opening.
The pocketbook comes with a letter of provenance, written in 1899 by A. Morgan, a grandchild of Josiah Stone. It reads:
This pocketbook was made by Sarah Stone (Croosman) in 1759 for her twin brother Josiah Stone (My Grandfather) when she was 9 years old. It is 140 years old to this date 1899.
We sometimes forget that longevity, like other biological traits, tends to run in families. The Stone/Morgan family was blessed in that regard: 2+ generations span 140 years. From 1800-1920, the average life expectancy was 40 years.
Our delightful needlepoint pocketbook is stitched in wool on canvas in a flame stitch (bargello) pattern. The edges are bound with fuchsia wool tape. The pocketbook is lined with green linen. The four inner pockets are divided by stiffened navy linen on one side and stiffened linen floral damask on the other.
What a charming gift from 9-year-old Sarah Stone to her twin brother Josiah! The diligence and care bestowed on the pocketbook warms the heart. As the twins grew older, each forming a family, we can imagine that Josiah always brought the beloved pocketbook to family occasions. The smile on his sister's face would have been even more precious than the pocketbook.
In our article on Vintage Clothing as in Investment, we describe the importance of provenance in establishing both aesthetic and market value. The article also shows that during periods of rising inflation, hard assets (including collectibles) tend to outperform financial assets. Today, major governments (U.S. and Japan) are in the process of engineering an inflationary bubble.
This rare pocketbook can be the centerpiece of a great collection of early clothing either in a museum setting or in a major private collection. On p. 9 of the authoritative book on handbags, Handbag Chic, our pocketbook was given an estimate of $4500-$5500.
The condition is very good. The pocketbook is in remarkably good condition for its age: just a few small bare spots and minor fraying on the edge binding.
It measures 8" by 4 1/4" when folded.
