ANTIQUE COIN PURSE - 19th retailer century French celluloid coin purse with silver inlays and single mother of pearl flower

retailer 19th century French celluloid coin purse with silver inlays and single mother of pearl flower.

This purse comes from France and is fashioned of what in French we call "ivoirine". Made out of cream colored celluloid, it was supposed to emulate ivory and was an extremely popular item to offer to girls for their First Communion. Celluloid was a thermoplastic invented in the 1860's and composed of cellulose and camphor. The purse assumes a simple rectangle with rounded edges and corners.

One corner of lid is decorated with L shaped silver inlays of foliage and flowers. A single flower was inlaid with mother of pearl. The back is smooth and unadorned.

The purse was constructed around a hinged metal frame, the color of silver and opens and locks with a push down button.

The interior has four compartment, one closes with a special little latch. A girl would keep her "sous", or coins, in it and would probably bring it to church on Sundays. It is lined with a dark Robin's egg satin.

The purse is 2 1/2" long by 1 7/8" wide, not including the push button and is 3/4" thick. It is in good condition with only minimal scratching on the back consistent with use. There is a slightly darker stain on the lid consistent with handling. The interior fabric is in wonderful condition.