Waistcoat
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth
(American, 1743 - 1804)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Datelate 18th century
MediumHand-stitched cassimere (also spelled "kerseymere"), a twill-woven wool with a brushed surface, with silk embroidery and silver sequins. The backing fabric is a piled cotton twill ("fustian").
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 26 x 18in. (66 x 45.7cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Fred J. Agate, through the Manuscript Committee of the Colonial Dames of America, 1958
Object number1958.2.4
DescriptionDouble-breasted waistcoat of cream-colored wool, with a high turn-over collar and scattered small embroidered sprays in pastel silk and silver threads. The embroidery is done in a chain-stitch and is highlighted by silver sequins (called "spangles" in the period). The collar is similar to a shawl style but it is shaped with corners rather than having a smooth edge. It is cut so that the turn-over begins at the center back neck edge (so that if it was turned up, it would form a wide "V" at the center back). The double-breasted styling is constructed so that the wearer had the option of buttoning to the left or the right. There is a pocket on both sides of the front. The back of the waistcoat is a twill-woven cotton fustian that has a flannel-like appearance, but is heavier than modern flannel; it is unembellished. The back panel is selvage to selvage at the lower edge, about 15 1/2 inches wide. It is pieced at the side seams. The fit of the waistcoat is controlled by two ties at the lower center back. The waistcoat's front panels are lined with a coarse, plain-woven cotton.
Status
Not on view
Object/Object
