Coat and Waistcoat
Date1785-1795
OriginEurope, Poland, Warsaw
MediumCoat: Vicuna, linen, silk, wood, gold, silver, garnets
Waistcoat: Vicuna, silk, linen, wood
DimensionsCoat:
Center front: 43.5 inches
Center back to vent: 19.5 inches
Center back to hem: 42 inches
Chest: 31.5 inches
Waist: 34 inches
Waistcoat:
Center front: 19 inches
Neck to center back vent: 20.75 inches
Waist: 32.5 inches
Chest: 36.5 inches.
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-24,1&2
DescriptionCoat: Heavy woolen possibly vicuna coat lined throughout with a drab twilled silk. All edges of the wool are turned except for the hem which was left with a cut edge. The neck as a tall standing collar. Originally the coat was made with eyelets to accept metal shanked buttons, however were replaced with large cloth covered buttons at some point. The Order of Saint Stanislaus was affixed to the coat sometime post 1790. The order was made on pasteboard or layers of paper which shows inked drawings to indicate the pattern the embroiderer was to follow. The central motifs made from a silvered disc with the royal monogram set in garnets of “SAR” (Stanislaus Augustus Rex). Around the monogram embroidered is the motto “Praemiando Incitat” (encouraged by reward). Around the Latin phrase is a laurel wreath from which radiates out an eight pointed star worked in spangles and bullion.
Construction History:
1) Initial Construction ca. 1785
2) Addition of the Order of Saint Stanislaus and remaking of the buttons to cover eyelets, 1790
Waistcoat:
A single breasted waistcoat made from heavy brown possibly vicuna wool. All edges are turned except for the lower skirts of the waistcoat which were left unhemmed. A small standing collar is attached to the neckline. The buttons holes were worked in twist prior to the lining being laid in. Lining was then sliced and cast down around the buttonholes. The last buttonhole on the center front seems to have been made with another twist as it does not match the others. Lined in a twilled drab colored silk throughout, including the center back. Center back of the waistcoat was cut in one piece and a tuck was taken to shape the back. The selvage edge runs along the back skirt panel hem line. A large buckle and tab were used to adjust the size of the waistcoat.
Label TextThis coat and waistcoat belonged to Lewis Littlepage of Virginia and was worn while he served as a Chamberlain and diplomat to the Court of Poland between 1785-1795.
ProvenanceThis coat and waistcoat was worn by Lewis Little page (1762-1802) who was born in New Kent County, Virginia. Littlepage died in 1802, leaving his small estate to his stepbrother Waller Holladay. The surviving objects passed directly through the Holladay Family until gifted to the Valentine Museum in 1952 by Mr. and Mrs. A. Randolph Holladay II. In 2022, the objects were transferred to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Several court suits were mentioned on his inventory taken at his death:
"List of cloathes belonging to Lewis Littlepage taken from the information of Jacob David Wacker, August 16th 1802...1 coat with a star to wear in winter at court...2 coats given him by the King of Spain.
"List of lcothes formally the property of my brother Lewis Littlepage decd. taken 31st July 1804..."2 Vigogne Coats and 1 Vigogne waistcoat."
