These bags are based on a style of soft shoulder bag that are shown in a number of images from the 14th to the late 17th centuries and they are usually depicted being worn by lower class people such as soldiers and beggars. They are made from vegetable tanned goat skins and are stitched entirely by hand. The main seam has a piping strip inserted into it which helps to keep the rain out and the bag is kept closed with a strong leather drawstring and a leather slider.

The bag is 10 inches wide and 25 long (25 x 64cm).

Detail from A Winter Scene by Isack van Ostade 1645