Louis XVI Moroccan Leather and Silver Hussif/Purse

Object Description

A stunning French Louis XVI Red Moroccan Leather and Silver Mounted Hussif/Purse.
This wonderful hussif/purse opens to reveal six stitched long compartments (possibly for grooming tools), it then reveals a pouch with a subtle green silk lining. A further pouch/purse reveals a mirror with two different sized felt panels covering it (possibly for needles or pins) and a notebook and a holder for a small pencil. It also has small green silk holders for tools/equipment (grooming or sewing). The clasp is decorated with drapes and has an enamel patera. It is unmarked.

Object History

From the Property of a Gentleman – a lifetime of collecting.

Object Literature

A similar (although more ornate German example circa 1760 is referenced in ‘Handbags: The Making of a Museum by Judith Clark – Page 46 The Collection

Object Condition

In wonderful condition throughout. There is age related wear to the silk and some very minor marks to the Moroccan leather. The small mirror is fractured by not broken.
Some of the pages have faded writing on which hasn’t been deciphered.

Object Details