Oh yes, the marvel of ingenuity of finding ways to make life easier. This was so true in America, with the ability of travel by rail across the continent came about with the completion of the railroad tracks, laid east to west. As more and more folks started to travel, carpet bags, made of left over carpet, became a popular "suitcase" of the day. The roomy bags could hold necessaries that a person might need while away from home. At no time was carpet bags more prevalent, than during the Reconstruction period, after the Civil War (1865-1870).

Here is a wonderful mid 1800's floral mohair carpet bag with rolled mohair handle. Beautiful brass lock, with original key, fastens the bag in the center, while two hook clips fasten the outside edge. Gorgeous floral mohair in a wonderful coloration of deep tones of rose, gold, green, and black. Black embossed leather base which is very nice. Lined on the inside in a muslin.

The shape of this carpet bag is more like a briefcase, to give you a better idea of the size and shape. The length is 12-3/4" long x 11-1/2" wide (does not include the handle) x 2-1/2" deep. A fine bag from the time period.