Images(2)

Breeches

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Reverend Thomas Robbins (American, 1777 - 1856)

Clothing MakerMade by Unknown

Dateabout 1820-1835

MediumHand-stitched wool, silk, linen, and cotton, with brass buttons

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length along side x width across waist): 16 x 29 1/2in. (40.6 x 74.9cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Carl Stoeckel

Object number1934.20.1

DescriptionMan's breeches of cream-colored twill-woven wool/silk, with a napped surface so it resembles chamois leather. The narrow fall is 5 1/2 inches wide and fastens with four-hole brass buttons at the corners. There is a pocket on each side, covered by an L-shaped flap, which buttons at the corner. Behind the fall, the breeches fasten with one small brass button and two 5/8-inch-diameter brass buttons on the waistband. At the center front, the waistband is three inches wide. The breeches are very long-waisted, in keeping with the fashion for pantaloons in the period. There are six buttons around the waistband for attaching suspenders. The legs are open for 4 7/8 inches along the outside seam above the knee; this fastens with four brass buttons (3/8 inch in diameter). The kneeband is very narrow (1/2-inch), currently with no means of fastening. The breeches are set smoothly into the waistband all the way around. The legs are only slightly splayed. The center back of the waistband has been inserted with a strip of linen. The waistband is lined with green silk. The pocket bags are white twill-woven cotton (jean). The breeches are fully lined with plain-woven linen.

NotesOwner Note: Reverend Thomas Robbins (1777-1856) was the first librarian of the Connecticut Historical Society.

Historical Note: Suspenders (also called "braces" in the period) were not generally worn with breeches, but because these very late (and old-fashioned) examples have a cut similar to contemporary pantaloons, suspenders were needed. (Bassett 7/08/2002)

Status

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