Army issue housewife or holdall, 1866

During the second half of the 19th century soldiers were issued with a housewife as part of their equipment. This linen pouch, with the War Department's broad arrow mark signifying official issue, was used by Private W Smart, 52nd (Oxfordshire Light Infantry) Regiment. Unfortunately, its contents have not survived, but it could have been used either as a housewife containing his sewing kit, or as a toilet case holding his shaving kit, soap and toothbrush.