Needlework Wallets and Pocketbooks

Canvaswork Pocketbook, Massachusetts, c. 1750, envelope-shaped folding double pocketbook with silver clasp engraved "Joseph Winslow," the wool yarns worked in the Irish stitch in a zigzag diamond pattern in shades of green, red, blue, and yellow, with green silk lining, and green silk tape edging, (minor losses), folded dimensions 4 3/8 x 8 1/8 in. Provenance: Purchased from G.W. Samaha, Milan, Ohio, c. 1981. 

Wool Needlework Wallet, probably New England, c. 1768, envelope-shaped pocketbook with two dividers, worked in the Irish stitch in a diamond pattern in shades of green, red, blue, and yellow, stitched initials and date "MxB 1768," with red silk lining, and light blue wool twill tape edging, (losses), folded dimensions 3 1/2 x 6 1/4 in. 

Scattered wool yarn stich losses mostly to the exterior and edging, loss to silk lining at the interior center.

Canvaswork Pocketbook, America, c. 1794, envelope-shaped pocketbook with flap closure worked in the Irish stitch in a zigzag pattern in shades of green, red, blue, black, yellow, and violet, with stitched owner's name and date "William B. Property 1794," vivid pink glazed wool lining and red twilled wool tape edging and wrapped closure, (minor losses), folded dimensions 4 3/4 x 8 in. 

Copy and image from Skinner Auction.