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Dating from the 19th and early 20th century, most have come directly from Margaret Williams, from the Holley-Williams House collection, while a few belonged to other women of Salisbury. The intricate beading and crochet work in these examples is typical of the period in America and Europe. The purses were often created by women who followed patterns seen in contemporary ladies’ magazines such as Godey’s Lady’s Magazine and other publications from England, France or Germany. A woman’s skillful handiwork was a matter of pride and much admired, a sign of her good taste and refinement. Sometimes, particularly in the 20th century, reticules and purses were purchased in stores or by mail order.

Reticule, French for Net were also known as Indispensable and were developed to replace skirt pockets on voluminous dresses of earlier periods in which women carried personal belongings.