18th Century Letter Ladies Pocket Book, on red velvet, embroidered with silvered threads and sequin appliqués, red silk and leather lining, 10cm by 7cm

Early 18th Century Pocket Book, on red velvet, embroidered with silvered threads and sequin appliqués, red silk and leather lining, 10cm by 7cm Lucy Locket lost her pocket, Kitty Fisher found it; Nothing in it, nothing in it, But the binding round it. Kitty Fisher" was the well-known British courtesan, Catherine Maria Fisher, who boasted assignations with many affluent 18th century gentlemen and was known for her flair for publicity. The "pocket" lost in the child's nursery rhyme refers to an 18th century purse. This fashion accessory came in several styles, one being the pocket case or letter case. They convey the dazzling opulence of affluent 18th century fashion and accessories. The elegantly worked carry-case was a smaller and more convenient adaptation of a ladies' pocket. These small pocket cases were used to hold bank notes , letters, pencils, and other small implements. They worn around a lady's waist and were accessed through slits in the skirt. Pockets were almost always decorated, this pocketbook is a particular grand example