Purse
Object number2007.53.1 a,b
Date1902
MediumElephant skin; Silver
Credit LineGift of Martha G. Lewis
DescriptionBlack elephant skin purse with silver frame and knob closure; single silver chain strap. Frame embossed with wavy design on both sides of purse; chain links in shape of flowers. Inside lined with beige(?) soft leather, with one pocket on each side. Dimensions9.5 x 6.625 in. (24.1 x 16.8 cm)InscriptionsInside frame inscribed, proper left: "MARY P. BIGELOW PITTSBURG. PA.".
MarksProper right: "[designer symbols] STERLING 1547 4 OCT 1902".
Historical NotesAn elephant hide purse presented to Mary Peabody Bigelow. Mrs. Bigelow was the wife of Edward Manning Bigelow (1850-1916), celebrated engineer and the "father of Pittsburgh parks". Donor Martha G. Lewis apparently received this purse from a family member who was a caretaker for the Bigelows.
Previous owner
Mary Peabody Bigelow
Related person
Edward Manning Bigelow
On View
Not on view
1904-1970
1945-1950
c. 1910
c. 1910
c. 1950
1925
