Posted 12 years ago
Budek
(313 items)
Very Interesting pocketbook that I picked up this afternoon. Made in Providence Rhode Island by ARJE. I looked it up but couldn't find anything out about the maker.
It's a formidable piece, with wood sides, and a coin set into wood above the twist closure.
I think it's beautiful. The coin fascinated me so, set into the very handsome wood disc.
If it rings a bell with anyone I'd love to know more about it.
Have a great evening,
T.
The coin looks like it might be pewter and is based on a portrait by Portrait by Albrecht Dürer in 1519 of Maximilian I.
Wikipedia says: Maximilian I (22 March 1459 – 12 January 1519), the son of Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor and Eleanor of Portugal, was King of the Romans (also known as King of the Germans) from 1486 and Holy Roman Emperor from 1493 until his death, though he was never in fact crowned by the Pope, the journey to Rome always being too risky. He had ruled jointly with his father for the last ten years of his father's reign, from c. 1483. He expanded the influence of the House of Habsburg through war and his marriage in 1477 to Mary of Burgundy, the heiress to the Duchy of Burgundy, but he also lost the Austrian territories in today's Switzerland to the Swiss Confederacy.
By marrying his son Philip the Handsome to the future Queen Joanna of Castile in 1498, Maximilian established the Habsburg dynasty in Spain and allowed his grandson Charles to hold the throne of both León-Castile and Aragon, thus making him the first de jure King of Spain. Having outlived his father Philip, Charles succeeded Maximilian as Holy Roman Emperor in 1519, and thus ruled both the Holy Roman Empire and the Spanish Empire simultaneously.
As to the "Arjé".
I think it's a Spanish term coming from the Greek arché and is used as being the beginning of an hypothesis. By extension it refers to the beginning of the world, water, air etc.
Perhaps there's a link to Maximilian I and Spain?
Does it have Jewish links?
Or is it RJ? RG?
K,
That history is amazing, thanks for bringing it to my attention.
From the little research I've done I think that it may have Jewish links.
I'll keep poking away at it.
Have a great night, or is it DAY there?
Happy Spring,
T
and RJ-RG,...........I hadn't gone there, very interesting indeed!
Very cool.
Here is the answer. The bag was made by Sam Biern , my father ,and a famous NYC button maker, in his later career, in 1959-1962 when he was making bags and belts in Providence RI at 121 Dyer Street. Arje stands for ARnold and JErry, my brother and I. I love it! Google "Sam Biern"
Dear Raremarble,
Thank You for the incredible information. I love the history of this piece, and feel grateful to learn it from you, son of the maker!
I felt that it was something special, now I know.
Thank You for solving the mystery.
Best Regards to you and your brother,
Tony.
Hello again, raremarble.
The handbag's a beautiful thing, it's been loved and admired, but unused.
It would give me great pleasure to send it to you, would you like it?
You can send your address to me at: uncleuncle@comcast.net
I'll get it mailed off to you this week.
Take Care,
Tony.
WOW! Thank you so much, my family will cherish it.