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 handbag has a short flap with a pair of silver buttons and corded closure with a cord woven handle. When closed, the bag measures 12” long x 13” wide. Exterior bottom of the bag expands to 3” wide. Entire bag interior is lined with a cotton material. Lining is in good overall condition.
Inventory Number: MIS 109 / SOLD