Images(2)

Coat, blue check cotton

Dateca. 1795

MediumCotton, linen (By microscope 10/24/2024)

DimensionsOL 38 in.

Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-213

DescriptionMan's coat of blue cotton woven in plain weave with white threads at intervals, forming a 1/4-inch check. The coat has a turn-down pointed collar with sef-fabric stand. The front is double breasted with a set of five fabric-covered buttons and four buttonholes on each side. The front is cut across at the waist, angling down to tails. Long fitted two-piece sleeves curve over the elbows and end in three-inch sewn-down cuffs with one-inch slits on the outer sides. The cuffs are brighter in color than the sleeves, suggesting that outer folding cuffs were removed at a later date. Two non-functional shaped pocket flaps are positioned at the side-rear. The coat back is narrow, with seams angling down toward the center waist. The back extends into the tails without a waist seam. A center-back vent and pleats are decorated with four fabric-covered buttons. Two cream-color linen pockets are reached from the interior below the waist. The coat and sleeves are unlined, except for a partial self-fabric lining in the coat fronts down to the tails.

Alterations: Outer sleeve cuffs removed, leaving the unfaded cuff lining.Provenance1972, descended in family to Mrs. Robert Raymond Brown (Richmond, VA); 1972, given to Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023, given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)