Falling Bands
Date1780-1830
OriginEngland
MediumLinen, plain weave, two weights. Linen and cotton sewing threads (cotton probably later repair)
DimensionsOW: 14 3/4", including tabs. OH with bands extended, approx. 10"
Gathered fabric height as worn, approximately 2 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1953-863
DescriptionWhite linen stock with finer linen bands that hang down at the front. 8 3/4" of fullness is gauged (or finely pleated) into coarser linen tabs, one with 3 eyelets for slipping through a stock buckle's prongs. The other tab is tapered, extending about 3 1/2" from the gathered stock, intended to slide through the buckle. Two rectangular bands of finer linen about 3 1/4" wide by 5 1/4 to 7 1/4" long (shorter at center front). Bands are attached to the edge on the front of the gathered stock. Bands have 3/8" hems.Label TextFor dressy and formal occasions, men wore strips of fine white linen or cotton around their necks. Stocks were gathered or pleated to tabs that buckled or tied at the back of the neck. One of the tabs typically had worked buttonholes that lined up with the knobs or prongs of a removable metal stock buckle. Stock buckles can be identified by their knobs along one side for slipping onto the stock's tab. The longer tapered tab of the stock was pulled through the buckle and cinched tight.
Stocks came in several styles. Stocks with hanging linen bands, called "short bands," were worn by clergymen, barristers, and academics. These stocks became symbolic of the learned professions.
ProvenanceEx Coll. James Frere, Bluemantle Pursuivant, College of Heralds, London Museum, Lancaster House
Exhibition(s)
1780-1830
1795-1811
ca. 1780
1815-1820
1814-1825
ca. 1805
1750-1775
ca. 1856
1770-1785
1760-1775
1830s
1698 (dated)