Coat
Date1775-1785
OriginEngland
MediumWool broadcloth, with linings of silk, worsted, and cotton-linen; Fused silver or copper buttons.
DimensionsOL: 45"; Back shoulder width: 13 1/4"; Buttons 1 3/8" dia.
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1983-228
DescriptionBeige broadcloth (fulled woolen) frock coat with turn-down collar or "cape" and button front. Front has 8 (of 9 originally) buttons of silver fused to copper (also called Sheffield fused plate), with engraved design. Buttonholes all cut open. Deep turn-down collar coming to point at center back; shaped cut-away front; untrimmed pocket flaps. Closely-fitting shaped sleeves terminating in turnback cuffs 3 1/4" wide. Back vent and pleats, each pleat trimmed with 2 buttons. Sleeves are lined with white linen-cotton fustian; fronts, center back tail, and pocket flaps are lined with ribbed silk; center back down to hem of pleats lined with twill glazed worsted. Buttonholes have flap of lining sewn over ends on interior. Hooks and eyes at center front in addition to buttons.Label TextFrock Coat
Britain, 1775-1785
Wool broadcloth trimmed with Sheffield-fused silver-plate buttons, lined with silk, glazed wool, and linen-cotton
1983-228
Men of nearly all social levels wore frock coats for informal activities or work. This coat was made of broadcloth, wool that was fulled, or shrunk, to prevent raveling and finished with a napped-and-shorn surface on both sides. This coat's edges and hems were left unhemmed at the cut edges.
