Spencer
Date1820-1825
MediumSilk, linen
DimensionsOL from collar to sleeve hem 28 3/4 in.; L from collar to peplum hem 15 5/8 in.; Waist 27 7/8 in.; Bust 34 7/8 in.
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-169
DescriptionSpencer made of pale pink silk damask with short peplum in back. The spencer has long sleeves with gathers at the back of the shoulder. The sleeves have fabric bands sewn just above the wrists, which fasten with a hook and eye. The spencer has a rounded collar. Spencer is lined with linen, which is pieced at the waist, and has a strip of linen tape bordering the waistband. Spencer fastens down the center front with a series of hooks and eyes. Center front is trimmed with rows of thread covered buttons and looped trim. The waistband, sleeve bands, cuffs, underside of the collar, and peplum are bordered with looped trim. Additional thread covered buttons are sewn at the front and back of the waist and the sleeve bands.Label TextIn the late 18th century, as waistlines rose on women's dresses, short-waisted jackets came into popularity. Known as spencers, they reached their height in the 1810s and 1820s. Spencers came in a variety of fabrics and colors, often trimmed with braid to resemble men's military uniforms.
InscribedThere is a fabric tag sewn in the lining at the neck, "46.74.11"; this is the previous number assigned by the Valentine Museum. There is a fabric tag sewn in the lining of the front left of the bodice with handwritten text, "Mrs. Jas Pleasants."
ProvenanceCa. 1820-1825 probably worn by Caroline Sophia Rebecca Thomson; prior to 1921, passed down by descent to Carrie Thomson Massie (Richmond, VA); prior to 1946, passed down by descent to James Pleasants Massie and Ida Watkins Massie (Richmond, VA); 1946 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
