Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Handbag 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.

Handbag Used by Eleanor Roosevelt

Artifact IDMO 1976.318
Object Type Purse
Maker (English shoe manufacturer, 1791 - 1965)
Datemid 20th century
Mediumleather (alligator), leather, metal (brass), metal
Dimensionsoverall (with handle) H 13 in x W 12 1/2 in x D 4 in (33 cm x 31.8 cm x 10.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA brown alligator leather handbag. The top-opening handbag has a leather carrying handle and a gold-colored metal clasp with Eleanor Roosevelt's initials (AER) engraved on it. The bottom of the bag has four brass feet.

The interior of the handbag is lined with white leather and has four pockets, one of which has a metal zipper. The maker's label is on the inside of the bag: "Peal / of London / ENGLAND."
Historical NoteThis handbag was originally owned and used by Eleanor Roosevelt, and later by her daughter, Anna Roosevelt Halsted.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by James A. Halsted in 1976.
Credit LineGift of Dr. James A. Halsted
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
Related Links