Purse, purse frame

This elaborate double-looped device forms the frame to which a bag or purse of cloth was attached (Type A6 purse frame). The main body of the purse hung from the outer loop. The inner loop formed the lid of the purse. Since medieval clothes had no pockets, both men and women wore purses hanging from their belts to hold their money and other personal belongings. Since purses were usually made of cloth, a cunning thief might be able to slice your purse open and take your money without you noticing - these thieves were called 'cutpurses'. In the late 1400s, wealthy men began to wear large metal framed bags on their belts to carry money and important items such as their seal.