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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Purse Used by Eleanor Roosevelt
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Purse Used by Eleanor Roosevelt

Artifact IDMO 2005.1.4
Object Type Bag, Clutch
Maker
Maker (handbag maker)
Dateca. 1952
Mediumfabric (velvet), metal, glass
Dimensionspart a (purse) H 5 1/2 in x W 9 1/4 in (14 cm x 23.5 cm )
 part b (mirror - closed) H 4 3/4 in x W 2 1/4 in (12.1 cm x 5.7 cm )
Physical Descriptiona) A black velvet evening bag with a snap closure, possibly made in India. The front flap of the clutch-style purse has an elaborately embroidered raised floral design made with gold and silver metallic wire. Attached to the back center of the purse is a black velvet horizontal strap on which are additional gold and silver wire embroidered designs. The interior of the purse is lined with black fabric and has one pocket. There is no manufacturer's label.

b) Found in the purse’s interior pocket is a small mirror inside a satin-covered folding case marked on the front, "BAG BY . . . . JOSEF." The mirror, once adhered inside the folding case, is now loosened from it.
Historical NoteThis clutch purse used by Eleanor Roosevelt was possibly acquired during her 1952 trip to India. It was later owned by her daughter, Anna Roosevelt Halsted, and granddaughter, Eleanor Seagraves.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Eleanor Seagraves in 2004.
Credit LineGift from Eleanor R. Seagraves
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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