Breeches
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Lemuel Grosvenor
American, 1752 - 1833
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1785-1795
MediumHand-stitched wool, linen, leather, and brass
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across hips): 26 x 16in. (66 x 40.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. John J. Beattie III, through the Manuscript Committee of the Connecticut Society of the Colonial Dames of America
DescriptionCream-colored kerseymere (twill-woven wool) breeches, lined with linen at the waistband, front flap and front three pockets. Two front pockets are covered with flaps that button on the hips. There are three metal buttons at the center front; the nine-inch-wide fall comes up and fastens to the lowest button and buttons at the corners, also. The breeches are cut to be tight in front and loose in the seat. The back is pleated into the back of the waistband,which is split at the center back and laced with a leather cord to control the fit. The lower side seams of the legs are open with a button placket for 3 1/2 inches. The legs end in a knee band which also buttons. The buttons throughout the breeches are flat, brass, shank buttons. They are not sewn directly to the fabric, but are inserted through holes in the fabric, and then a strip of linen is threaded through them. The linen strip is then stitched securely to the lining fabric.
These breeches were originally owned by General Lemuel Grosvenor of Pomfret, Connecticut. On November 7, 1789, General Washington visited Lemuel Grosvenor and appointed him the first Postmaster of Pomfret, with offices opening January 1, 1795. Lemuel Grosvenor served as Postmaster for nearly 40 years until his death in 1833.
These breeches were originally owned by General Lemuel Grosvenor of Pomfret, Connecticut. On November 7, 1789, General Washington visited Lemuel Grosvenor and appointed him the first Postmaster of Pomfret, with offices opening January 1, 1795. Lemuel Grosvenor served as Postmaster for nearly 40 years until his death in 1833.
Object number1957.23.3
InscribedWritten in ink on waistband "L. Grosvenor"Subject Terms
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