Waistcoat
Dateca. 1750, altered late 19th century
OriginEngland
MediumSilk embroidered to shape with silver gilt (now faded to silver) worked over paperboard padding; later silk twill back; new linen lining.
DimensionsOL: 33"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1953-843
DescriptionMan's sleeved waistcoat constructed of saffron-yellow silk in allover diapered pattern, embroidered in floral design with metallic silver worked over padding. Heavy embroidery outlines fronts, skirts, and pockets with scalloped flaps. The waistcoat has straight fronts angling away slightly at bottom of skirt. Front has 16 buttons and later button loops. The button loops and the facing to which they are attached are all replacements. Original buttonholes embroidered into the waistcoat shape are not spaced evenly: four are spaced at the top and four below, about waist level, leaving an open area of 10" at chest, probably intended for pulling through the ends of a cravat. Back sections are constructed of twill-woven yellow silk dating to 19th or twentieth century. Shoulders have been made broader, consistent with alterations in the nineteenth century. Replaced linen lining.Construction History:
1. ca. 1750: Initial Construction
2. Late 19th century: Alterations
3. December 4, 1956: Reembroidering coat down front and bottom. New brown linen facing down front of coat. Resewing loops and recover 16 buttons. Relining sleeves with same texture linen as lining in coat. Washing linen lining of coat and relining. Work by Ernest LoNano.
ProvenanceEx Coll: James Frere, Bluemantle Pursuivant of the College of Heralds.
