Beaded Velvet Pin Case   

Likely Northeast, circa 1840 to 1865.

A charming envelope-form compact pin case (aka “keep”), hand-sewn from velvet and silk, ornamented with glass beads. The velvet and elaborate beadwork are characteristic of mid-19th century American schoolgirl and parlor work.

“LOVE, PURITY AND FIDELITY” was an expression often associated with weddings and linked to “something blue” (therefore the blue velvet). The case opens to reveal a pink silk interior, with a padded roll for pins.

The exterior blue and beadwork in excellent condition, the interior pink in honest period wear. About 4 5/8 x 4 ½ inches when opened flat; 4 ½ x 2 ¼ x 1 ¼ when closed.