Woman's Cloak
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Deborah Champion
(American, 1753 - 1845)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1770-1800
MediumHand-stitched wool broadcloth, with silk lining and wool "shag" trimming
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length including hood x hem width): 55 x 150in. (139.7 x 381cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Elizabeth Alden Steele and Deborah Champion Steele Geier
Object number1981.37.1
DescriptionRed wool broadcloth cloak (called a "cardinal") with red wool shag trimming around the front edge and around the slits for the arms. The body of the cloak is pieced into a semicircle and pleated into a narrow band at the neck. The hood is attached to the neckband. The back of the hood is arranged in radiating pleats meeting in the center. The inside of the hood is lined with red silk. On either side of the cloak body are slits for the wearer's arms. These were originally bound with the silk lining fabric (now mostly worn off). The shag trimming around the front edge is pieced about nine inches below the proper left neck edge; the shag nap is in the opposite direction from the shag below it. In other areas where the shag is pieced, the nap runs in the same direction. The hook and eye at the neck edge is not original.
The broadcloth was dyed in the piece, as areas where it has been abraded show white. The fabric is so heavily fulled that very little seam allowance is needed, as it does not fray.
This cloak belonged to Deborah Champion (1753-1845), daughter of Colonel Henry Champion. Tradition states that she wore the cloak while delivering payroll across British lines during the American revolution. At the request of her father, she left home in New London, Connecticut, and made the delivery in Boston, Massachusetts.
NotesHistorical Note: Tradition states that Deborah Champion wore this cloak while delivering payroll across British lines during the American Revolution. At the request of her father, she left home in New London, Connecticut, and made the delivery in Boston, Massachusetts.The broadcloth was dyed in the piece, as areas where it has been abraded show white. The fabric is so heavily fulled that very little seam allowance is needed, as it does not fray.
This cloak belonged to Deborah Champion (1753-1845), daughter of Colonel Henry Champion. Tradition states that she wore the cloak while delivering payroll across British lines during the American revolution. At the request of her father, she left home in New London, Connecticut, and made the delivery in Boston, Massachusetts.
Status
Not on view
20th century
