Puzzle purse love token, c.1800, photo courtesy of Sotheby’s
Puzzle purses were one way lovers could exchange “Valentines” as early as the 1700s. Constructed from paper folded in intricate origami style, each panel would hold a romantic message or drawing (https://www.marthastewart.com/1099224/decorative-past-puzzle-purse-valentine). I found a couple examples c. 1800 to share.
If you are inspired to make your own, check out these instructions: http://www.victoriantreasury.com/library/2007-01_Puzzle_Purses/
or here: http://sharonscompendium.blogspot.com/2016/02/make-victorian-puzzle-purse-for.html
or here: http://www.alicesimpson.com/project/valentine/
