Garter

Date1700-1720

MediumSilk satin (Identified by Microscope); Cotton Ground (Identified by Microscope); Metallic silver thread; Cotton Thread

DimensionsWidth: 1 1/8"; Length (including ties): 33"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-1032,1

DescriptionGarters of light-blue satin with narrow ivory and red stripes with undulating silver line and dot pattern along top and bottom border. Tablet-woven inscription in ivory silk reading "EL QUE ESTAS LIGAS TE DA" (the one who gives you these [garters])" on one garter and "TU AMANTE SIEMPRE SERA" (will aways be your lover") on the other. Garters have tapered ends which form tie cords. Worn below knee, they are then wrapped around and tied.

Construction History:
1. 1700-1720: Initial Construction
2. Unknown Date: Ivory Grossgrain ribbon added to back of garters
3. Unknown Date: Silver-colored cord and red and yellow threads added to areas where original silver cord was wearing away or had gone missing. In an attempt to replace the worn areas.
4. July 22, 1958 (by Ernest LoNano): Ivory thread used to attempt to embroider replacement letters where the original letters had worn away. This occurrs in the "STA" of "Estas" and "GA" of "Ligas" on the first garter. On the second garter it is evident in the "NTE" of "Amante", the "SIEMPR" of "Siempre" and the "A" of "Sera". Purchase order also notes "complete restoration."