Pochettes first appeared in the late 16th century, combinations of the violin and the stringed Renaissance instrument the rebec. Its name means “pocket” in French, the country of its birth, due to it being designed for easy carry. Sometimes it is also called a “kit fiddle” in England or Scotland, and is referred to by various names in other countries. It is played upon one’s forearm, the base tucked slightly into the armpit, in a typically-awkward position.

The pochette gained popularity during the 18th century, as England, Scotland, and Ireland united into one Britain and the Scots had more reason to learn how to fit in with the English, none greater than having a joint English-Scottish parliament. So, the Scottish lower classes wanted to learn how to dance and speak like the English, and those required instructors. “Dancing Masters” became in high demand, often French or Italian music tutors, and lugging a large violin with them became quite the chore. In swooped the pochette, easy to carry and requiring no case. Dancing Masters almost completely adopted pochettes, and some of the instruments were even played up until the 19th century.

Apart from Dancing Masters, traveling fiddlers and a couple of historical figures were known to have played the pochette. Neil Gow, one of the founders of Scottish fiddling during the 18th century, is known to have played his pochette on his route to and from Scotland’s Blair Castle, striking up dancing tunes for passerby during the day’s journey. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and 3rd President of the United States, was also fond of pochettes, playing in pubs along his trips from Monticello to Charlottesville, Virginia.