William Corbit's pocketbook

1773-1783

Maker

Possibly Mary Pennell Corbit (1749-1783)

Measurements

8 3/4 in x 4 1/4 in x 1 1/8 in

Materials

Wool (stitching), linen (canvas), silk (lining)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1530

Inscription

WC” is stitched in white onto a mauve or pale purple panel outlined in green.  A card inside the pocketbook says, “William Corbit's / Purse / William Corbit 1746-1818."

Condition Notes

There are scattered losses of the wool stitching. A fragment of the tape ties remains. The silk lining, especially at the gussets, has shattered and has some areas of loss.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

William Corbit's pocketbook is the largest of three that descended from 18th century owners (see acc. nos. 1971.1531 and 1971.1264) through Corbit and Wilson families, to Mrs. Warner, who descended from both families.  William's pocketbook bears his initials on a small rectangular panel on one of the two inside pockets.  The pocketbook is worked in bright colors and zigzag designs.

Bibliography

Zimmerman, A Storied Past, 190.