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Man's Cape

Original OwnerPossibly originally owned by William Hutchinson Putnam American, 1878 - 1958

Original OwnerPossibly originally owned by Lyonel Hutchinson Putnam American, 1900 - 1988

Original OwnerPossibly originally owned by Albert Day Putnam American, 1904 - 1990

Date1925-1965

MediumMachine-stitched black rayon or silk, with silk or rayon lining

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across shoulders x hem circumference): 47 1/2 x 15 x 66in. (120.7 x 38.1 x 167.6cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of the estate of Marcella Putnam

DescriptionMan's unusual cape made from black fabric, rayon or silk, with a tan rayon or silk lining. This may be a theatrical piece. The front edges have no closing devices. The cape body is made from three pieces; a back piece and two side front pieces. The shape of the cape comes from the neck seam; small pressed pleats are sewn into the seam attaching the body to the collar. These pleats allow the body of the garment to fall over the shoulders. The collar is constructed of two pieces sewn as one unit; the bottom piece is 4 1/4 inches wide, while that on top is 2 5/8 inches wide. Each is approximately 22 inches long. Each is extended at each end with a length of the black fabric, folded over to two inches wide and 44 inches long. These extensions are folded over each end of the neck piece with a decorative zig-zag edge, with the free end finished straight across. There are no arm holes in this cape. An additional piece of the black fabric is sewn to each side of the cape. These pieces are stitched only along the top, placed 13 1/4 inches from the neck seam and nine inches from the front edge. Each piece is 15 1/4 inches wide at the top, forty inches wide at the bottom with a slight curve to the hem, and 30 3/4 inches long, hemmed to the same length as the cape's body. Each piece is bound around the sides and bottom with a narrow bias of the black machine-stitched fabric, folded over the edge and hand sewn. The cape is lined with a tan rayon or silk fabric. Shaping comes from the six rows of machine gathers across the top of the lining.

Object number1991.143.2

MarkingsWoven label at back of neck, with tan/gold fabric, a multi-colored logo and words in blue thread, "Guy [script] / IMPORTER / HARTFORD, CONN." The logo to the left has an image of the top half of a griffen with the tops of the wings, over a shield with three fleur de lis and three unknown motifs.

Subject Terms