Albatross Foot Tobacco Pouch

albatross foot

Albatross foot skin pouch used to hold tobacco or ‘gold dust’, made before 1849; found in collection with note handwritten probably by Esther Cornwall (Mrs. H.C.), reads ‘Skin of / Albatross foot / carried in the days of ‘49 / to hold gold dust’. Foot bones removed and webbing split to open up natural pouch; talons intact. Possibly seen as a “good luck token” considering the maritime legends surrounding albatrosses being a sign of good fortune. Used to hold either real gold dust from the gold rush but more likely refers to tobacco; no evidence of either substance inside the pouch so use is unconfirmed. Overall fair to poor condition; fragile, handle only when needed and use caution. Overall: 11 x 7 3/4 in.