1830s Brown CHECK Pattern LINEN SEWING POCKET or DRAW STRING BAG from JOHNSTON RI Farm

Item Details

Brown checked pattern linen pocket or draw string purse, circa 1820s to 1830s. The pocket or purse is made from one piece of fabric, a fine hand woven linen I believe. It’s a check pattern done in shades of brown or brown green on an off white base. It has hand stitched seams at bottom and along one side. The top is gathered together and stitched to form a channel for the drawstring, a stitched folded length of matching fabric. I think this is an early 19^th century sewing pocket. The stitched side is not stitched for some six inches up to the draw string—the loose threads seem like they bound the edges an open pocket. And there’s a knot of dark brown thread toward the top of the opening, where I think it may have been stitched to the other side, closing the top of the pocket. The draw string ends look a bit ragged and are tied together in a knot. The length may have been longer. This came from an estate in Scituate, Rhode Island. The pocket or purse measures about 11” by 14”. It is in very good condition with only the wear and soiling consistent with its age and careful use. A very attractive early American linen pocket or purse!