Jacket
Dateca. 1825
MediumWhite linen (faded), bone, white linen thread. Thicker white linen thread used for repair. All materials identified by eye.
DimensionsCenter Front: 13" from neck to hem
Waist: 34 3/4"
Center Back: 20" from the top of the folded collar to the hem, 17" from the base of the collar to the hem
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund
Object number2018-127
DescriptionWhite linen men's jacket, ca. 1825. Due to the color, light fabric, and lack of full lining, it may have been worn during the summer months to stay cool. Includes an inscription in the center back, possibly reading 'J. Munroe'.Construction details: The jacket is constructed from white linen, with white linen lining of the center front panels, lower back, and cuffs. All seams are felled unless noted. The sleeves, made of two pieces of white linen, are attached to the body of the jacket with a backstitch, and the armseye is finished with an overcast stitch. Gathers are also added at the shoulder. There are ten remaining buttons down the center front, though there would have been twelve originally; they are likely constructed of bone and are fabric covered to match. There are two pockets on either side of the center front.
Construction History:
Ca. mid 1820s: The jacket is constructed
Ca. 19th century (lifetime of original owner): A tear about 4" below the left arm is repaired with a backstitch.
Label TextThis men's jacket displays not only the style of the mid-1820s, but an adaptation to the summer heat of Virginia. Short jackets were usually considered a working-class garment and would've been worn for sport or physical labor. However, this jacket may have been worn by men from all classes to cope with summer weather. Constructed of lightweight white linen without lining, it would have served as a more comfortable, breathable garment. It may have been worn without a waistcoat, thus decreasing the number of layers. The jacket displays the adjustments made to the wardrobe in the face of oppressive weather.
InscribedInscription in the center back, possibly reading 'J. Munroe'
ProvenanceTiti Hallie from Cora Ginsburg, Inc. mentioned in an email that the jacket was purchased from Suzi's Antiques. Suzanne Arena and her daughter Susan Varner collected and sold historic costume, typically collected from around their local area in Farmville, Virginia.
