The purse that bind us together

This purse predates World War 2. But it was given by a British woman to an American woman during the war. While the purse itself is in terrible condition and not very remarkable, the story about the purse illustrates what was happening in England during the war years. You'll notice it mentions short supplies and items rescued from "the wreck of her home" (possibly bombed or burned during the Battle of Britain?). I've included the text of the letter that came with the purse. This is the original box it was mailed in. Despite the letter's claim, this is not a Charles I purse. I think it is something far more valuable, a gift of friendship during war.

Collection of Jennifer Whitehair

The letter (syntax is the original writer's):

Dec. 16, 1943

My Dear Mary,

I am still pinching myself while looking at the surplus box you so very kindly sent me.  I felt like a kid on Xmas morning as I discovered not one present but several.  Honestly I haven’t got my breath yet & I think apart from the thrill of receiving things I have not had or been able to obtain for four years, it was that I had met somebody who promised something & kept their word. One gets so tired of meeting people who make appointments & never keep them, ask one to write & then never reply that I can assure you I found your gift & note a real joy.

Yes my dear I too enjoyed our chat & your capacity for gin & port. I certainly would like to see you again.  If you do get a leave please get in touch with me here by phone or if in opening hours ( I mean the surgery not the pubs) call along here and we’ll go places.

I have not heard from my daughter since I met you & as she owes me a letter have not written, but I will certainly tell her about you & give her your address in case she is in that part of the country at all. I’d like you so much to meet as I feel you’d have lots in common.

The enclosed may seem odd to you but knowing how much Americans appreciate the antique thought you’d like it as an Xmas gift. It is a sovereign purse used by the Cavaliers in the time of Charles 1st-so it’s just a few hundred years old. We’ve had it in our family for generations & it’s the type of thing one kept in a glass case with old miniatures & snuff boxes etc.

Oddly enough I came across it the other day amongst a box of old shoe buckles & odd brooches & things that I’d gathered from the wreck of my home. It’s cut steel the kind of purse they used to throw at peoples feet in those days for doing them a favour. I wouldn’t mind a few thrown at my head filled with gold-would you? I hope you’ll not think it a silly idea to send it to you but there is nothing apart from cigarettes I could get & after all you get those easily so here is something really & truly English for you to take back to America.

I went to London this past weekend to meet an American friend of mine & had a really grand party-lots of scotch & bad food.  I must admit I appreciate the flesh pots again after the slums of Colchester.

I re-met a man I’d known for about 20 years & he is now a Colonel with the US Army-why or how, I can’t think but his name is Louis de Laurelle, so if ever you come across him make yourself known & say you are a friend of Peggy Hathaway’s-this was my stage name.  He is not very young but a damn good sort & most amusing.

I am longing to wash my face and start with Max Factor, but I have a patient just arrived who is holding out her false teeth & mumbling at me so my rejuvenation must wait.

Again so many thanks for a truly lovely present, & best wishes to you for Xmas & the New Year.

Let me hear again when you have time.

Sincerely yours, Peggie Triggs