Waistcoat
Dateca. 1730 (late 19th c alterations)
MediumSilk brocaded with silk, silver, and silver gilt; twill silk front facing and skirt linings; twill cotton and linen "fustian" body lining. Later metallic fringe trim.
DimensionsOL front: 38 1/2"; Center back: 35 1/4"
Credit LineGift of Mr. Mark Clark.
Object number1971-431
DescriptionMan's sleeved waistcoat of dark brown silk checkered with self-color warp floats. Heavily embellished in waistcoat shape with brocading in colored silks (ivory, russet reds, blues, greens) and metallic silver and gilt threads. Brocading pattern includes fanciful feathery leaves with naturalistic and semi-naturalistic flowers concentrated down fronts and hems, on pocket flaps, and surrounding pocket flaps. Waistcoat originally buttoned as low as the pocket flaps with 16 large buttonholes, later altered by adding 25 small decorative gilt buttons spaced from neck to hem. Five buttons trim one pocket; other has four; one button at each sleeve opening. The upper portion of the sleeves and the back, as well as the gold fringe trim, are of a later date than the fronts and lower sleeves. Interior of waistcoat has flap of old silk lining behind outside ends of buttonholes to prevent show-through of shirt when buttoned. Innerlinings of wool and sized linen. Non-original lace flounces sewn into sleeves were removed.Construction History:
1. ca. 1730 Initial Construction
2. Date Unknown- buttons added
3. prob. 19th century- upper portion of sleeves and back replaced, lining replaced in back, possibly front.
4. Gold trim added
