This velvet reticule is brownish apricot in color and beautifully embroidered with metallic thread. On one side is a bird standing on a basket of flowers and on the reverse a wreath enclosing the initials T and R. On each side, the central motif is surrounded by embroidered baskets along the bottom and trailing wheat decoration at the sides. The bag has two metallic tassels on either side and is edged in metallic cording which also forms the handle. It feels like the opening had some kind of material added inside the hem to give it stiffness and shape which appears to have cracked/broken in a few places.  The velvet is slightly worn and stained in places; wear is most significant at the pointy bottom edges. There is evidence of the original dark silk lining, but most has been lost. There appears to be a repair to the metallic cord handle at one side (see photo). There is a 1/2" repaired tear at the front side near the left tassel on the "bird on a basket" side but is too small/not obvious enough to photograph. The reticule is about 5.5" wide at the opening and it is 7.5" long. A lovely early reticule. (# 152209)