Men carried decoratively stitched pocketbooks like this one to keep their money and personal papers organized. “Thomas noyes his book 1776” is stitched onto the pocket flap, indicating its owner and the year it was made for him. This book belonged to either Thomas Noyes III (born 1729) or his son, also named Thomas (born 1754), of Essex County, Massachusetts. Both father and son served in the Massachusetts militia during the Revolutionary War. As a member of the militia, one of the Noyes men may have also carried passes, oaths of allegiance, and mementos from home and loved ones in this pocketbook.

Object Details

  • Pocketbook
    Massachusetts
    1776
    Wool, Linen, Silk, Pasteboard
    Museum of the American Revolution
    2017.29.03

Image 111120 Collection 51 Thomas Noyess Cocked Hat
 

Thomas Noyes's Cocked Hat

This cocked hat belonged to either Thomas Noyes III or his son, also named Thomas, who both served in the Massachusetts militia during the Revolutionary War.
See Object
Image 111120 Collection 52 Thomas Noyess Musket
 

Thomas Noyes's Musket

This musket, with the initials “TN” are carved on the lock-side, belonged to either Thomas Noyes III or his son, also named Thomas, who both served in the Massachusetts militia during the Revolutionary War.
See Object
Johann Cristian Oerter rifle from the Museum's Benninghoff collection
 

Rifle Made by John Christian Oerter

Moravian gunsmith John Christian Oerter made this rifle at his workshop in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, about 60 miles north of Philadelphia.
See Object