Images(2)

Suit

Date1820-1825

OriginAmerica, Virginia (probably)

MediumSilk, cotton, brass, glass

DimensionsInseam: 13 inches Outseam: 22.5 inches Overall Length: 27 inches Waist: 22 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2022-124

DescriptionA one piece boys suit that button together at the waistband. The garment is made from a plain woven multicolored blue, white, grey, and black silk and cotton exterior. The upper bodice is lined in a plain woven brown glazed cotton while the trouser legs are lined in a floral red, blue, and brown printed cotton. Each of the legs is slightly gathered into the waistband which contains 7 buttonholes and one buttonhole on each side seam. The upper bodice is gathered into the waistband with hook and eyes that close the suit at the center front. The very large puffed sleeved are attached to piped armscyes and are gathered into bands at the upper arm.
Label TextBoys in the early 19th century typically moved into these ones piece suits once they were fully potty trained, leaving off their infant style gowns. This boy’s suit is made from a fine variegated striped silk and lined with a printed floral cotton fabric in the trouser legs.
ProvenanceSuit was purchased at Suzi's Antiques in Farmville, Virginia.