Civil War Carpet Bag / SOLD

Handsome, original, mid-nineteenth century traveling handbag or luggage case often referred to as a ‘carpetbag.’ During the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War, Northerners who ventured South in search of profit and political opportunity carried their personal goods and belongings in carpetbags and were derisively called carpetbaggers by the locals.

Constructed of colorful pieces of rug carpeting with a pleasing floral design, the bag appears to be the hooked-rug type of construction. The lockable, carry handbag has a clamshell style closure with a pair of gold bullion carry handles.  Brass lock mechanism scallop designed with skeleton keyhole.  When closed, the bag measures 11” long x 18” wide. Exterior bottom of the bag expands to 5” wide.  Entire bag interior is lined with a striped polished cotton material on a metal articulating frame with secondary compartment. Lining is in good overall condition. Base of bag is floral embossed oilcloth with brass trunk feet. 

Inventory Number: PER 080 / SOLD