THIS purse, which is much worn, is made of mole-skin of a dark grey colour. The clasp is silver with ornament in strong relief. The outline of the clasp is varied by curves, and there is a double curve at the corners. The skin is fastened to the clasp by silver pins, and the purse shuts with a spring lever and catch, and is opened by pressing two silver pins close to the hinges.
The purse has two pockets, and is lined with pale yellow kid; the central division has been renewed and bound with pale red ribbon. The plate shows the purse both open and shut both views being drawn full size. It contains a piece of paper on which is written: “An old purse worn by Sir Walter Scott for many years, made of mole-skin.”
Source: Abbotsford; the personal relics and antiquarian treasures of Sir Walter Scott. Illustrated by William Gibb. By Maxwell-Scott, Mary Monica. London A. and C. Black 1893.
