Waistcoat
Date1765-1775
MediumSilk satin brocaded and embroidered to shape with silk, metallic threads and sequins; cotton/linen "fustian" lining; linen backing; silk facing.
DimensionsOL: 31" Chest approx 38"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1971-2
DescriptionMan's sleeveless and collarless waistcoat buttoned down front and shaped to cut away below waist; shaped pocket flaps. Waistcoat is made of ivory silk satin brocaded and embroidered to shape with twining and undulating metallic-ribbon and lace motifs outlining fronts, skirt, and pocket flaps, interspersed with rose and green bouquets and rose sequins. Ground has scattered evenly spaced clover or floral sprig motifs. Lining is napped linen and cotton "fustian"; linen innerfacing behind buttonholes. Back of white linen twill. Adjustment buckled belt at back, not original. Waistcoat is altered at level of pocket flaps to shorten it; garment also made smaller by darts sewn into fronts from underarm seams. Note: same brocading pattern as waistcoat 1953-105, only different color.
Construction History:
1. 1765-1775 Original Construction
2. Date Unknown- shortened across top of pocket flaps; pocket flaps reset so they no longer fit into the brocaded reserve intended to outline the flaps. three darts sewn into fronts from under-arm seams.
3. Date Unknown-two buttons replaced; one button missing. buckled belt added
Markings"Conington/ Hagg" written in ink on right shoulder lining.
ProvenanceGood & Hutchinson, vendors from Holland, Massachusetts, stated in a 1971 letter that the "vest" came from "a picker who gets things from familys all over Boston." A tag with the name of a previous owner was not found when the waistcoat was accessioned. The invoice states that the waistcoat has "a Boston history."
