What is this?

[Tessa]

This was in a box of costumes at our local historical society. It is of pink satin, and the back is lined with wool fleece. The top is very tightly gathered but does not open; stitching about 1 1/2" down would prevent it opening far, anyway. It's dimensions are 10 3/4" x 3 1/2". Could someone tell me what it is?
Thank you for your help.

 

[Pinkcoke]

I haven't seen one before, but if you tied the two ends together, would it be a suitable size for a hand warmer/muff? maybe with a little purse/pocket on that one end? Maybe for a bridesmaid or prom in that fabric. All guesses! Hopefully someone will recognise it.

 

[Tessa]

I haven't seen one before, but if you tied the two ends together, would it be a suitable size for a hand warmer/muff? maybe with a little purse/pocket on that one end? Maybe for a bridesmaid or prom in that fabric. All guesses! Hopefully someone will recognise it.

A great idea, but it's much too short to be able to wrap around your hands. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Pinkcoke]

What about a young child? (flower girl?)

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

Could it be to hold a small parasol?

 

[Tessa]

Could it be to hold a small parasol?

No, because even if the gathered top opened, stitching 1 1/2" down would prevent anything long being inside. And the bottom end is closed. But than you for the suggestion.

 

[Catbooks1940s]

with it being backed by wool, it seems it's supposed to be tied to a body part, with the wool portion against the skin.

the only thing i can come up with is a sort of traveling 'money belt,' perhaps to be worn tied around a woman's lower thigh, like a sort of garter? i've never seen anything like this before.

 

[Marzilli_Vintage]

Roll-up needle case with thread/thimble in the small compartment?

 

[Catbooks1940s]

i just read where you said it doesn't open, but i think it's supposed to. otherwise there's no reason for the drawstring at one end.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

It resembles an early sanitary pad, that would be tied to a waist belt - but if that was the case, it's a very fancy one and would need to be highly washable.