Wallet Identification

[mtvernon]

The attached photos are of a wallet my aunt's friend gave me out of the blue. I'm no expert, but it looks similar (but not identical) to others from the 19th century. After using the search function here and in the greater web, I'm not satisfied I've put a date on this item. Does anybody here know more about this item?

Thank you,

[mtvernon]

Re: Wallet Identification

Bumpity bump.

[tsgalloway]

Re: Wallet Identification

I have 4 period wallets. Yours resembles one of my four. The other three that I have are a bit smaller.

[Abrams]

Re: Wallet Identification

I could turn up nothing with my searches that could reliably date it.

Some thoughts to help you in your search:
Wallets tend to be sized by the currency of the times, or by the articles carried in them. Perhaps a photo with a ruler to give scale and size could be helpful. It does seem larger than most I have seen, and has a 4th fold to it. It seems to me to be for carrying paper, documents and such in addition to currency. But then, I am no expert, I have simply done some research previously into market wallets and such.

Pre-paper currency wallets were really little more than poke-sacks for coins, or actually held provisions instead of currency, like a market wallet.

Market wallets and pre-folding leather wallets: http://www.18cnewenglandlife.org/18cnel/wallets.htm

Folding leather wallets seem to have become more popular in the early 1800's, but I cannot find that website to substantiate my claims atm, if I can, I will find and post it, as it was a good source.

Further paths you may be able to explore:
An interesting wallet site: http://www.wallets.org/wallets/tag/history-of-wallets/
I mean, any place with an address like "wallets.org" has to know wallets, right? lol

Perhaps these people can help you with dating it too.

[mtvernon]

Re: Wallet Identification

Thanks very much for your help. I'll do some investigating.