Coat and Breeches

Date1780-1810

MediumSuit made of cotton lined with cotton; buttons of cast and chased copper alloy.

DimensionsA) Coat L:12 1/4"; shoulder W:7 3/8" B) Trousers: OL 16"; waist:20 1/4"; inseam 8 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1992-138,A&B

DescriptionBoy's two-piece suit, called a "skeleton suit" of white tabby cotton lined with white cotton. A. Coat,or jacket, is collarless and double-breasted, intended to be folded back at front lapels and worn with white shirt. Jacket is buttoned with rosette-shaped copper alloy buttons. Long tight sleeves with stitched-down cuffs and two-button vents. Three buttons (one missing) for buttoning to trousers.
B. Trousers have wide waistband with two welt pockets in the waistband, three buttons at center front, and buttoned narrow fall front. Trouser legs are straight, without knee band. Four buttonholes for fastening to coat.
ProvenanceAccording to vendor, the suit was once in a private Dutch collection that was shown as a house museum, the Historisch Kostuum Museum. The collection was dispersed and sold at auction.