Museum Collections
Luce Center
Purse
Object Number:
1946.91g
Date:
1942-1946
Medium:
Leather, silk, brass
Dimensions:
Overall: 8 x 11 3/4 x 1 3/4 in. ( 20.3 x 29.8 x 4.4 cm )
Marks:
sewn: purple tag inside flap: "MADE AND SOLD UNDER/AUTHORITY OF U.S. NAVY/W.A.V.E.S."
sewn: white tag inside flap: "ALICE L. JOHNSON"
Description:
Rectangular black leather purse with flap that snaps onto brass stud on front; interior lined with black silk and divided into several compartments; purple silk tag and white silk nametag sewn to interior of flap.
Gallery Label:
This purse was used by Alice Johnson while she served as a "Spar" with the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. A "Spar" was a member of the women's reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard, and stands for their slogan, "Semper Paratis, Always Ready."
Credit Line:
Gift of Alice Johnson
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.