19th century French Napoleon III fine crochet cotton drawstring "aumoniere" evening bag

A refined mid-19th-century French aumônière, the kind worn during the Second Empire (Napoléon III) and into the early Belle Époque. These small soft purses—delicate, lightweight, and often handmade—were used by women for coins, lace handkerchiefs, or small personal tokens. The open, net-style crochet and vibrant blue sateen lining place this example firmly in the 1850–1880 period. The tassels and elongated silhouette echo the earlier Empire revival tastes fashionable in France at the time.

Materials & construction

• hand-crocheted natural fiber (likely linen or cotton)
• cobalt-blue sateen lining with a subtle sheen
• original crochet tassels and double drawstring
• elongated oval “seau” shape
• hand-finished interior seams
• drawstrings may feel slightly stiff when opening/closing—typical for antique crochet cord
• lining is intact and sturdy, but should be treated as delicate due to age

Measurements

Approx. 11” long (including tassel), 7” long (bag only)

Width: 4.75”–5” across at widest

Condition

Excellent antique condition for its age. No holes in the crochet work, tassels present and intact, lining clean and original. Some gentle stiffness to the cords, consistent with 19th-century hand-crocheted fiber. The bag is fully functional with mindful handling.