Undershirt
Date18th century ?
OriginEngland
MediumLinen warp/ cotton weft twill "fustian"; linen tape
DimensionsOL: 11 1/2" width including sleeves: 21"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1985-140
DescriptionInfant's shirt of napped cotton-linen twill " Fustian." Wide flat neckline rounded off to front opening. Long set-in ungathered sleeves with 1 1/2" vents at wrists, possibly for folding back. No gussets under arms. All edges bound with linen twill tape. Unlined. es bound with linen twill tape. Unlined.ProvenanceA paper tag with hand-written note originally pinned to the shirt reads, "Oliver Cromwell's Shirt." (He died 1658.) Vendor assigns date of 18th century. The quality of the fustian and twill tape are consistent with an 18th century date, though shirt may be earlier or later.