Waistcoat
Dateca. 1750
OriginEngland
MediumSilk cut and uncut velvet, backed with wool tabby and lined with wool velvet "shag" and wool twill. Silver thread buttons.
DimensionsOL:31 1/4 OW:18 3/4" WAIST: 36"
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg
Object number1989-428
DescriptionMan's waistcoat of red silk, woven to shape using cut and uncut velvet in a floral and scroll pattern down fronts, surrounding pockets and on pocket flaps, with trellis pattern forming the field. Waistcoat is collarless and sleeveless. Waistcoat buttoned down front with 18 metallic pinwheel pattern buttons and 18 yellow silk buttonholes, of which 13 buttonholes are cut open and functional. Shaped, peaked pocket flaps, trimmed with 5 vertical yellow silk buttonholes, the two at either end cut open to receive two of the five metallic buttons sewn to waistcoat body beneath. Waistcoat fronts and pocket flaps are lined with cream wool velvet "shag" that shows at edges. Back of orange-red woolen tabby lined with cream woolen twill. Back open completely with 2 pairs of tie tapes. Shown at right in photograph with another waistcoat.Label TextWaistcoat
Britain, ca. 1750
Silk voided velvet, wool back, lined with wool or mohair shag
G1989-428, gift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg
With its heavy, napped lining, this waistcoat was probably for winter wear. The velvet was woven to the exact shapes needed for a waistcoat.
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