Images(3)

Jacket

Dateca. 1795

OriginAmerica, South Carolina, Calhoun County (worn in)

MediumSilk, linen

DimensionsOL from collar to sleeve hem 22 in.; L from collar to peplum hem, including fringe 16 in.; Waist 33 1/8 in.; Bust 29 in.

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-170

DescriptionJacket with crossover front and long sleeves made of blue-green silk. The jacket has a collar that is rounded in the back and squared on the front. There is a ruffle sewn on the center front neckline and trimmed with fringe. The collar is trimmed with fringe. The jacket has a short, pleated peplum at the center back. The jacket is lined with linen.
Label TextThis jacket, made ca. 1795, shows the crossover style that appears in fashion plates at the end of the 18th century. According to donor history, it may have been worn by Elizabeth Sabb (1761-1838) of Calhoun County, SC. A surviving portrait of Sabb shows her wearing a garment with fringe on the collar, just like this jacket; perhaps it was a favorite trim of hers!
InscribedThere is a fabric tag sewn into the lining at the neck, "46.74.12"; this is the previous number assigned by the Valentine Museum. There is a fabric tag sewn in the front left of the bodice with handwritten text, "Mrs. Jas Pleasants".
Provenanceca. 1795 probably worn by Elizabeth Sabb (Calhoun County, SC); 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)