Antique, Victorian purse. Carved mother of pearl and silver gilt. Made circa 1860-1890.   <

A little over 3 1/4 inches long X 2 inches wide. 

Rectangular purse with rounded ends, giving a slightly oval effect. Victorian - Edwardian ladies didn't have much to carry and didn't have handbags. Perhaps a key, a stamp, a coin, were carried in tiny, beautifully decorated purses, enjoyed as much as an adornment as for their utilitarian purpose. The outside of this purse is mother-of-pearl, both front and back. The back is a smoothe layer of mother-of-pearl with wonderful iridescence, glowing like magic in every subtle shade. The front is very deeply carved and depicts a woman in high VIctorian attire waling in a landscape with trees and grass, holding a parasol (umbrella) over her head, presumably to ward off the sun. Good depth of carving and detail. 

Inside the purse has two compartments, lined with purple silk, trimmed with gold. THe purse is mounted in a metal frame that I believe is silver with gilding on the outside. A thumbspiece to open/close the clasp and sturdy hinges.  <P><P>
There is one mark near the thumbspiece which could be a silver hallmark of sorts, but is currently unknown to us. (see 'photos. )

Condition: generally good condition. There is a minute nick at the edge of the back, but other than that, the mother-of-pearl is in great shape, as is the silk lining (which is so often in tatters after so many years). Clasp and hinges in good working order. Silver needs a bit more cleaning, but silver will darken with age, so this is to be expected.