Waistcoat
Date1785-1795
OriginEurope, Poland, Warsaw
MediumSilk, silver, gold, horn, linen, cotton, glass
DimensionsCenter front: 19 inches
Center back to vent: 19 inches
Center back to hem: 22.5 inches
Chest: 36 inches
Waist 32.5 inches
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-30
DescriptionSingle breasted waistcoat made from a silk and silver textile that is fully embroidered in floral sprays with gold and silver. The back of the waistcoat adjusted with a buckle which is now missing but found on other examples within the Littlepage collection. The back is a single layer with lining that has a heavily napped surface. Each of the front panels is faced with a fine white silk twill. Around the neck is a short standing collar.Label TextThis waistcoat belonged to Lewis Littlepage of Virginia and was probably worn while he served as a Chamberlain and diplomat to the Court of Poland between 1785-1795.
ProvenanceThis 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.
Inventories taken after his death list numerous waistcoats:
"Cloaths of Lewis Littlepage not to be found in his trunk...6 waistcoats - 5 mentioned in Mr. Stevenson's list"
"List of cloathes belonging to Lewis Littlepage thaken from the information of Jacob David Wacker, August 16, 1802....24 waistcoats at least"
"List of cloathes found in the trunk of Lewis Littlepage 19th day of August 1802...18 waistcoats"
"List of cloathes formerly the property of my brother Lewis Littlepage decd taken 31st Janaury 1804...8 waistcoats of different descriptions.....5 waistcoats (Court Dress)."
