Man's Wedding Vest
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Benjamin Kelsey Esq.
American, 1796 - 1876
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1847
MediumHand-stitched silk, cotton, and leather, with silk-covered bone (probably) buttons, and cotton (probably) wadding
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across chest): 22 1/4 x 15 1/2in. (56.5 x 39.4cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of the Haddam Historical Society
DescriptionMan's shawl-collared vest of cream-colored silk damask, woven with a trailing leaf design. The vest is nipped in at the waist; the lower front edge is dipped. The chest is lightly padded with wadding. The center front opening fastens with seven self-covered buttons. There is an eyelet worked between the third and fourth hole for the watchchain. The vest has two curved breast pockets and one watch pocket in the lower proper right side. The vest is fitted in front with an 8-inch-long dart on each side. The back of the vest is made of plain, white cotton. The fit of the vest is adjusted with a self-fabric strap across the back of the waist (the buckle is missing) and a set of twill tape ties above and below the strap. The center back of the vest is cut in a deep, rounded notch at the lower edge. The lower edges of the front panels are lined with dark brown leather. The rest of the vest is lined with plain, white cotton.
Object number1999.149.3
InscribedHand-written in ink on lining under proper left armhole: "Benjamin Kelsey Esq".Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
