| Lady's Pocket Book or Letter Case, c. 1780-1800, Silk Embroidery on Ivory Silk, 7 inches by 4 inches |
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| Above, view of front of pocket book; below, view of back |
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| Below, image of pocket book open. |
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| In Francis Burney's The Wanderer, Juliet keeps her money in a small pocket book. This pocket book could hold bank notes or letters for a regency lady. The center section might have been used for scissors, a pencil, or a penknife. In many 18th century novels, women ward off rape attempts with scissors or penknives from their pockets; perhaps such implements would be stored in such a case. Certainly the beauty of the case would make it an ideal place for letters from a close friend or lover. |
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