Man's Wedding Suit Jacket
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Henry Thompson Curtiss
(American, 1751 - 1814)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1778
MediumHand-stitched linen with linen-covered horn (?) buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across shoulders): 33 1/2 x 15 1/2in. (85.1 x 39.4cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Nancy Burdge
Object number1987.82.1.1
DescriptionMan's jacket of white linen, block-printed with narrow red stripes. The jacket (a less formal garment than a coat, which would have longer skirts and cuffs on the sleeves) has a high, round neck and fashionably narrow shoulders. The tight sleeves are cut with a curve and are open along the outside seam for about 4 1/2 inches up from the wrist, which fastens with a single, self-covered button. The jacket falls straight from the shoulders to the hem. The center front opening, which is cut away in an inverted V at the bottom, fastens with twelve self-covered buttons. The jacket flares towards the back at the side. The side seam is open for 9 1/2 inches from the bottom. The front panels are cut slightly longer than the back. The center back seam is vented for about 8 1/2 inches. The back panels also flare towards the sides. There is a pocket on each side of the front, covered by a flap cut in a double-curve, meeting at a point in the center. The pocket is made by slashing the striped fabric in a curve and stitching a plain linen bag behind it. The jacket is lined with plain linen, except in the back tails.
NotesHistorical Note: According to donor family history, this jacket is part of the wedding suit of Henry Thompson Curtiss (22 March 1751-18 April 1814). In December 1778, he married Phebe Sherman (d. 5 February 1826), daughter of Ebenezer Sherman.Status
Not on view
