James Jefferis's pocketbook

1776

Measurements

8 3/8 in x 6 5/8 in x 3/8 in

Materials

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

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1264

Inscription

"1776” and “I • I” [J J] are stitched in red on a black panel on each inside flap.

Condition Notes

There are a few small areas of loss in the stitching. The silk lining has split in several areas. 

Provenance

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

Comments

This fold-over pocketbook bears stitched initials and date that help identify it as having belonged to James Jefferis (c. 1758–1822).  Further support comes from Mrs Warner's printed card that is sewn onto an inside pocket.  She added "Property of" and "James Jefferis / 1776" and "Wilmington Del" in strategic places, perhaps to ensure its proper identification and return to her after being on exhibition somewhere.  

The pocketbook is rendered in the Irish stitch in a carnation design and details in cross stitch.  Each of the two pockets inside is subdivided into two compartments.

Bibliography

Zimmerman, A Storied Past, 190-191.