Man's Suit with Handkerchief
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Henry Botticello
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1940-1950
MediumCoat and Pants (.a and .b): Machine-stitched and hand-stitched wool (or wool and nylon/rayon combination), with plastic buttons
DimensionsComponent (coat length x width across shoulders): 28 5/8 x 17in. (72.7 x 43.2cm)
Component (pants back length x width): 39 x 17in. (99.1 x 43.2cm)
Component (pants back length x width): 39 x 17in. (99.1 x 43.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineMuseum purchase
DescriptionMan's suit coat (.a) of a dark blue wool or wool and nylon or rayon combination. The double-breasted front closure has three black plastic buttons on each side, with two corresponding buttonholes along each edge. A button has been stitched to the inside of the proper left side, indicating the coat closed left over right. There are additional decorative buttonholes stitched to the lower lapels. These lapels are very wide and peaked, with the lower point extending beyond the upper. There are three slashed pockets on the outside of the front: two lowers flap pockets and a proper left breast pocket with an upturned flap. Shaping is created by two sets of darts on each side front. One set runs from the chest to the lower pockets, with the second set stitched from under the arm also to the top of the pockets. The back is constructed with a center back seam and a set of side back seams. There are no vents in the back seams. The sleeves are constructed of top and bottom, shaped pieces. There is a 1 1/2 inch vent at each cuff, with three buttons on each for decoration. These buttons are smaller than those of the front. The coat is half-lined in a dark blue rayon fabric. The exposed seams are finished by turning under the seam allowance and hand stitching down. There is one interior, double welt breast pocket on the proper right side. There is a dark blue ribbon stitched to the center back at the neck.
Man's cuffed suit pants (.b) of a dark blue wool or wool and nylon or rayon combination. The front fly closure has four black plastic buttons on the proper right side, with an additional button at the waistband. A sixth button is stitched to the proper right side and buttons into the body. The 1 1/2-inch-wide waistband has six belt loops and suspender buttons stitched to the front side. These buttons are also black plastic and are slightly larger than those of the fly. The waistband and fly are lined with white twill-woven cotton. There is a short (1/2-inch) slit in the back of the waistband, with stabilizing machine zig-zag sewn beneath it. This same closely spaced zig-zag stitch is used at the ends of all the pockets. There is a pocket set into each side seam, a slash single-welt pocket on each side back (the proper left having a button closure), and a watch pocket in the waistband seam on the proper right side. The cuffs are 1 3/4 inches wide. The pants are not lined: all the seams are finished with a machine-made overcast stitch. The front two pockets and proper right back pocket appear to have been remade with a white twill-woven cotton: the fabric is noticeably different, suggesting the originals wore out and were replaced.
White handkerchief (.c) made of cotton. Decorative weaving around all four sides, with multiple yarns used to create stripes. In one corner is a monogram in white silk floss, with the letter "B" surrounded by an oval of decorative filagree work.
Man's cuffed suit pants (.b) of a dark blue wool or wool and nylon or rayon combination. The front fly closure has four black plastic buttons on the proper right side, with an additional button at the waistband. A sixth button is stitched to the proper right side and buttons into the body. The 1 1/2-inch-wide waistband has six belt loops and suspender buttons stitched to the front side. These buttons are also black plastic and are slightly larger than those of the fly. The waistband and fly are lined with white twill-woven cotton. There is a short (1/2-inch) slit in the back of the waistband, with stabilizing machine zig-zag sewn beneath it. This same closely spaced zig-zag stitch is used at the ends of all the pockets. There is a pocket set into each side seam, a slash single-welt pocket on each side back (the proper left having a button closure), and a watch pocket in the waistband seam on the proper right side. The cuffs are 1 3/4 inches wide. The pants are not lined: all the seams are finished with a machine-made overcast stitch. The front two pockets and proper right back pocket appear to have been remade with a white twill-woven cotton: the fabric is noticeably different, suggesting the originals wore out and were replaced.
White handkerchief (.c) made of cotton. Decorative weaving around all four sides, with multiple yarns used to create stripes. In one corner is a monogram in white silk floss, with the letter "B" surrounded by an oval of decorative filagree work.
Object number1985.95.16a-c
NotesHistorical Note: Henry Botticello wore this suit to the wedding of his daughter, Connie Botticello.On View
Not on view
