Antique 19th Century Knitted Pence Jug Purse with Hallmarked Gold Wedding Ring Circa 1800s

A very sweet and very charming knitted jug shaped purse dating from the 1840 to 1880 period. Knitted in wool in shades of pale mocha and sea green/eau de nil the unusual element of this antique purse is the gold ring slider securer. This is an actual gold wedding ring with hallmarks, incorporated during the making of the purse for sentimental reasons.

We are not jewelers but the four hallmarks are not English, and so identifying the age of the wedding ring is difficult. Ring size approx N (UK, or 6 1/2 (USA). There has been a re-size adjustment to the band where the hallmarks meet.

Purse size: Height 3 5/8 inch (9 cm)

A sweet example, just the sort of purse that would have had its pattern produced in one of the many Victorian fancy goods, knitting, sewing periodicals. See the V & A Museum for similar pence jug purse where they state:

"T.31R-1935: This little knitted woollen pence jug was used as a purse for change or as a container for small items. By the 19th century, patterns for decorative objects like these were being noted down and published in popular books. A knitting recipe for 'A Pence Jug or Purse' in My Knitting Book by Miss Lambert (1844) states: 'To be knitted with five needles, No.20, with claret and green German wool... It may also be worked in silk.'

Condition: Good but not perfect. Two old moth holes to one side (the top sea green band near the lip), difficult to see. Gold wedding band resized in the past.

This is one from a single owner collection of antique purses that we will be adding to store over the coming weeks.

ITEM ID:13890