Waistcoat
Date1775-1785
OriginAmerica (probably)
MediumCotton, Wool, Linen, Pewter (XRF Tested), Wood
DimensionsCenter Front: 21 in.; Center Back to Vent: 21 in.; Chest: 42 in.; Waist: 37 in.
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2017-319
DescriptionRed thicksett (step between a true velvet and corduroy) waistcoat with twelve stamped pewter buttons with turned wooden backs. Two functional welted pockets sit above the wearer's hip. The back of the waistcoat is made from a coarse unbleached linen, while the lower skirts are made from the exterior velvet, but pieced off grain. The interior center back is made of an unbleached linen. The front of the waistcoat is lined with a plain woven natural color worsted wool. During construction, the front edge of the buttonhole side of the waistcoat was faced with a strip of the worsted wool lining, buttonholes worked through, and then the lining was brought up to the end of the buttonholes and tacked down. The top buttonhole has faded to a yellow color, suggesting a different color twist than the lower 11 buttonholes.ProvenanceThe garment sold through public auction and was believed to have been worn in Massachusetts.
