Märta Helena Reenstierna's silk wallet 1792
Banknotes began to be used more and more widely in the 18th century. People already used purses for coins, but banknotes needed to be stored in a way that prevented them from falling apart.
Before people started using wallets, banknotes were usually tucked into a pocket, folded lengthways and crossways. The fragile paper was easily damaged by folding it.
Women embroidered wallets as gifts for their fiancés – well-to-do families often used precious silk. The silk wallet made by Märta Helena Reenstierna of Årsta has her initials, MHR, and the family coat of arms embroidered on the inside. A lacy gold thread is attached around the entire wallet.
