The daily gazette., 1877-05-04
Ladies' Leather Goods.
BY EIZZIL,

Who does not remember the tradition
al carpetsbag,, which, in company with
J band box, was supposed to be the regu-
lation insignia of the country cousins or
the unprotected female of comic story?
And how gladly the sex hailed the intro
duction OF the leather portemanteau,
heavy as 1t is was, as a reservoir for trav-
cling, necessities. This, in turn, gave
way before the advancing elegance of
the leather satchel. which unites all the
convenience of a bag and trunk ON a
small scale. New satchels are manufac-
tured in style Of elegance which rcomh
whether she indulges in extensive trav-
cling or only uses one for shopping pur<
poses. Some are extremely ornamental,
and give additional attraction to the toll
ct. Indeed, the satchel of the period,
like the seal skin sacque, is regarded as
an evidence of social status, since every
additional dollar in price tells in the fin-
/ ish and get up of satchel. The most
| elegant satchels in the market are made
of tinesgrained leather, having both in
side and outside pockets. They are lined
with leather, have soft bottoms and are
| finely finished. The lining is of leather,
the frames are covered with leather,
and all the trimming nickelplated. In
| size they vary from the neat little hand
bag, brilliant with lock and buckles, to
| varieties large enough to hold whole
suit of atJire. Black, tan and red are the
principal colors, dark maroon being
| considered decidedly the most nobby. The
| tan colored bags admit of beautiful orna-
mentation. Sometimes a rib or stripe of
leather of a darker shade extends down
the sides, while the art of the designer
introduces varied devices. Other vari-
ties, made of split grain leather, linen lin
ed, and with .japanned frames, are much
sought after. These are lined with linen
have outside pockets, and are handsome
ly trimmed with nickel. We see also,
for more extensive travelling, large bags,
among which the stye known as the s'col-
lapsing bag" is an admirable invention.
When not full they can be compressed
into small space, the straps on the out
side regulating the expansion of the sides
and can also be used for shawl purposes.
Extensively as travelling bags and
satchels are used, however, they by no
means outstrip pocketbooks in general
use, These are essentially an American
invention, being an improvement on the
portemonnaie, French introduction,
designed more particularly to hold gold
or silver coin. The pocketbook owed
its existance to the general use of green
backs. at the outbreak of the rebellion,
when it was found necessary to have
something to carry paper currency con-
veniently and safely. They were at first
used chiefly by gentlemen, but now the
most expensive and elegant pocketbook S
are made for the use of ladies. The COM,
mon practice of carrying these recepta-
cles for money in the hand to avoid pick
pockets depredations involves the use of
handsome pocketbook for well-dres-
sed lady, and as she opens it frequently
to pay car fares, etc every part of it
must be finished in equal perfection
Sealskin and Russian leather are the
most highly esteemed materials for max
ing these. The sealsking is tanned after
winch it is a beautiful NOTED smoke
color. The clasp or lock should be of
nickel, which, in rare specimens, is
either inlaid with gold plating or engrav-
ed. An interior pocket fastened with a
clasp is intended to hold specie, and fire.,
quently there are arrangements for hold
ing bank notes, car tickets, and tablet.
Handles are often attached to ladies'
pocketbOokS, some of silk, others of
leather, or silver chain. They are made
of various grades of leather-imported
russia, sealskin, American russia, moro
CO, Persian goat, and cowhide, and some
of the cheaper varieties are produced in
such good style that it requires an adept
to discern wherein they differ from those
more expensive.
Coin purses are now made of sealslin,
and the Rosette for the same purpose.
Leather goods are now manufactured
for a number of purposes. Glove and
handkerchief cases, ladies' and gentle
mems dressing cases, cuff and collar
boxes, music rolls, and match boxes are
all made of it, also pocket TASKS and the
frames of hand mirrors, Watts patent
being the special success of these latter.
More peculiarly feminine are the
leather belts which were so popular last
season, and again promise to be the
fashion. Narrow and medium belts are
the style this year. They are peculiarly
appropriate for wearing with the polo
naise, now the favorite garment. A
leather belt is all that is needed to make
these thoroughly comfortable. Nickel
plated clasps are still in favor, and a
new feature, consisting of a clasp at
each side, is particularly noticeable. This
is designed to define the figure and adds
elasticity to the belt. Black buckles and
leather buckles will also be worn on
these belts, though where the dress is
black the pickel buckle brightens up the
costume.
The great advantage of leather-cased
hand mirror consists in the comfort with
which it may be used. 1t does not slip
through the fingers like wood or ivory,
nor make a sound when laid upon the
marble slab of a dressing table. This ap-
plies to all sorts of boxes made of leather,
as does the favorable consideration that
they are much more durable than wood,
and not so easily injured in packing.