Garter

Date1820-1835

MediumSilk (Ground Fabric); Silk Thread (Embroidery); Silk Braid (Edging); Metal.

DimensionsLength: 13"; Width: 1 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2002-27,A

DescriptionPair of spring garters with cream-color ribbed silk exterior and padded interior. Embroidered with multicolor conventionalised floral design and edged with cream braid. On one end of the padded section is sewn a stylised, gold-color metallic buckle. The other is attached to a series of six small springs encased in gathered silk. A circular, white, cloth-covered button is attached at the join between the padded sections and the springs. Along the edge of the spring section is a border of gathered silk ruffle. At the end of the springs and silk is attached the second buckle for fastening around the leg.
ProvenanceThe garters came to the Foundation from Patricia S. Boykin (Boykin has family ties back to the family of Governor Alexander Spotswood as well as the Dandriges). She acquired them from a neighber (Surname Taliaferro) whose family originally came from Virginia, as did his wife's. The only Taliaferro family with dates and location aligning with Boykin's account is a Benjamin S. Taliaferro. [See Historical Attributes for more information]