Man's Coat
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth
(American, 1743 - 1804)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1784
MediumHand-stitched silk velvet, silk satin, wool and linen
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width between shoulder seams): 45 1/2 x 16in. (115.6 x 40.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Daniel Wadsworth, Esq.
Object number1848.15.1
DescriptionVelvet coat, originally a salmon pink color, now faded to a mottled tan/brown/pink. The coat is cut with a slightly sloped-away front, and a short standing collar. The skirts flare slightly. Only three of the ten velvet-covered buttons have corresponding buttonholes along the center front edge. The sleeves are cut with a curve by means of an upper and lower seam, ending in a wide cuff decorated with three velvet-covered buttons. The coat has two large slash pockets over the hips, covered by a wide flap and decorated below the flap with three non-functioning buttons.
The back of the coat is cut with a center back seam that terminates in a slightly off-set back vent, and two side back seams that terminate at the skirts in pleats. A velvet-covered button is stitched to the top of each pleat. The pleats are tacked in a couple of areas so that they do not open. There is another non-functioning button stitched between the pleats, and also one at the bottom of the pleat, holding the pleat closed.
The coat is lined with cream-colored silk satin. The back is lined additionally with flannel (which appears to be woven of a cotton or linen warp and wool weft, then brushed to raise a nap). The edges of the front opening and hem edges are interlined with a stiff plain-woven linen.
This coat was worn by Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth of Hartford at the court of Louis XVI of France.
NotesHistorical Note: According to museum records, this coat was worn by Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth (1743-1804) of Hartford at the court of Louis XVI of France.The back of the coat is cut with a center back seam that terminates in a slightly off-set back vent, and two side back seams that terminate at the skirts in pleats. A velvet-covered button is stitched to the top of each pleat. The pleats are tacked in a couple of areas so that they do not open. There is another non-functioning button stitched between the pleats, and also one at the bottom of the pleat, holding the pleat closed.
The coat is lined with cream-colored silk satin. The back is lined additionally with flannel (which appears to be woven of a cotton or linen warp and wool weft, then brushed to raise a nap). The edges of the front opening and hem edges are interlined with a stiff plain-woven linen.
This coat was worn by Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth of Hartford at the court of Louis XVI of France.
Status
Not on view
Object/Object
