A tooled, dated and initialed leather pocketbook, belonging to Robert Morris, Sr. (1711-1750) and Robert Morris, Jr. (1734-1806), dated "1737"

The folding pocketbook is dated on the exterior, “1737,” and initialed on the inside, “R M,” together with three Hall & Sellers, Philadelphia printed paper Continental Currency notes, all dated 1776.

5 ½ in. x 3 7/8 in. (closed), W: 7 ¾ in. (open)

Robert Morris, Sr. was born in Liverpool, but arrived in Talbot County, Virginia in 1738. He was hired by a Maryland shipping firm and successfully managed the trade of 26 ships to England, Africa, West Indies and the Chesapeake area. His son, Robert, Jr., also born in Liverpool, joined his father in America in 1748. Robert, Jr. was his father's principal heir at in his will. In Philadelphia, Robert Morris, Jr. became a wealthy shipping merchant. He would become one of only two men to sign The Declaration of Independence, The Articles of Confederation and The Constitution.

The pocketbook descended in the Morris Family and was purportedly given to a Philadelphia lawyer in lieu of a cash payment for services. Accompanied by two hand-written notes. The first, “This is to certify that this pocketbook is the original one carried by Robert Morris as I am a descendant of the same. Theo. Morris Baker, Phila. Pa.” The second, "Robert Morris Phila. Pa Pocketbook used by father son brought over from Scotland 1737. One of the Original Signers Declaration of Independence."