Waistcoat
Date1800-1840
OriginEngland
MediumWool broadcloth, embroidered with multicolor silks; silk twill facing; linen lining and back, fitted with two linen ties.
DimensionsOL: 27"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1960-651
DescriptionMan's collarless and sleeveless waistcoat to a formal suit of dark purple-brown wool broadcloth, embroidered to shape with multicolor silks in floral design that edges fronts and hems and surrounds pocket flaps. Waistcoat has embroidered covered buttons with ten worked buttonholes. Cut away below buttoned fronts. Functional linen pockets under shaped embroidered pocket flaps. Single layer linen back with two linen adjustment ties. Cream twill silk facing and linen lining. Wool cloth extends around to back of neck. Matches formal coat #1960-650.Label TextThis dark wool ensemble in the style of the eighteenth century is typical of nineteenth-century court presentation suits. The coat and matching waistcoat are decorated with professional silk embroidery in colorful flowers that rival those in the best country garden. Men's formal clothing retained old-fashioned features long after everyday styles had changed.
ProvenancePurchased from Bedfordshire dealer, who considered coat to be English.
