Silk plush handbag with metal clasp and slide fastening, England, 1880s Turquoise silk plush handbag with metal clasp and slide fastening and brackets for the padded handle. Pouch-shaped and made from a single piece of fabric with gussets inserted in each side. The fastening is released by sliding the oval terminal sideways. Lined with beige leather and has an inner pocket which is machine-stitched. This handbag is made of silk plush, with a metal clasp and brackets for the padded handle. It is made from a single piece of fabric, with gussets inserted in each side. The fastening is released by sliding it sideways. The bag belonged to the donor's mother, who was born in 1875 and apprenticed at the age of 14 to a Court Dressmaker.