beautiful and wonderfully evocative antique French First Communion souvenir purse, dating to the early years of the 20th century.

The small square purse has an ivory-coloured moulded outer case, the front decorated in raised silver-coloured script reading “Souvenir de 1ère Communion” – Souvenir of First Communion – above an elegant sweeping flourish.

It is mounted within a silver-coloured metal frame with a traditional ball clasp and opens to reveal its original cream fabric concertina interior, divided into several compartments.

These little purses were given as keepsakes to commemorate a child’s First Holy Communion, making this a particularly lovely piece of French social and religious history. Its diminutive size and beautiful period typography give it enormous charm.

The reverse is plain and shows some age-related discolouration. The original interior survives but has staining, age marks and deterioration at several of the folds and corners, all of which can be clearly seen in the photographs. The metal frame has developed a soft period patina. The clasp remains present.

Dimensions: approximately 6 × 6 cm

Date: circa 1900–1920

Origin: France

Material: ivory-coloured early plastic/celluloid-type material, metal and fabric

Condition: Good antique display condition with age-related marks, staining and wear, particularly to the original fabric interior. Please refer to photographs.

A delightful little French devotional keepsake, perfect for a collection of antique purses, religious memorabilia or French objets de vertu.