Breeches
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Lemuel Grosvenor
(American, 1752 - 1833)
Dateabout 1785-1795
MediumHand-stitched wool and linen, and steel buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across hips): 30 1/2 x 18 1/2in. (77.5 x 47cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. John J. Beattie, III, through the Manuscript Committee of the Connecticut Society of the Colonial Dames of America
Object number1957.23.2
DescriptionCream-colored wool flannel fall-front breeches. The center front waistband opening has three large (one-inch diameter) cut steel buttons, with a design resembling a sunflower. Below the waistband are set-in pockets, which are covered by flaps (cut one with the front leg panels) that button on the hips. The fall is 8 1/2 inches wide and is created by slashing the top of the front leg panel and inserting a triangular-shaped piece of fabric behind. The fall buttons to the waistband above the lowest center front button. There is a watch pocket on the proper right side of the waistband. The breeches are cut smooth in front, but full in the seat. The back is gathered into the waistband. The waistband is split at the center back and has worked holes, indicating that a lacing would have controlled the fit.
The legs are open for 8 1/2 inches up the side seam, and are closed with smaller "sunflower" buttons. The knee band would also have buttoned, but the button is missing from both legs.
The waistband is lined with a plain-woven linen. The pockets are constructed of osnabrig.
These breeches were originally owned by General Lemuel Grosvenor of Pomfret, Connecticut. On November 7, 1789, General Washington visited Lemuel Grosvenor and appointed him the first Postmaster of Pomfret, with offices opening January 1, 1795. Lemuel Grosvenor served as Postmaster for nearly 40 years until his death in 1833.
The legs are open for 8 1/2 inches up the side seam, and are closed with smaller "sunflower" buttons. The knee band would also have buttoned, but the button is missing from both legs.
The waistband is lined with a plain-woven linen. The pockets are constructed of osnabrig.
These breeches were originally owned by General Lemuel Grosvenor of Pomfret, Connecticut. On November 7, 1789, General Washington visited Lemuel Grosvenor and appointed him the first Postmaster of Pomfret, with offices opening January 1, 1795. Lemuel Grosvenor served as Postmaster for nearly 40 years until his death in 1833.
Status
Not on view
