1666 - 350 in 66 items

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY PRIVATE SALE CATALOGUE
34. Possibly Unique c. 1660 English Messenger’s Post Bag, 170mm x 95mm x 135mm, in
leather with superb hinges that are typical of the type used on furniture of the period.
The remains of a wax seal appear on the top, further suggesting that this was used as a
leather carrier’s bag. Decorated with a scalloped edge, side hinges/handles and brass
supports to re-inforce the sewn joints. Included is a period letter, dated 1660, sent from
Great Yarmouth to a merchant in Norwich, which would have been carried in a pouch of
this type, generally in good condition.
*It is unlikely that a bag of this type would have been used as a money bag or as a place of safe keeping
for other valuables. The size would have been ideal for letters of the period that were suitably folded.
The bag would probably have been attached to a belt and the post delivered privately. This is a rare
survivor!
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