2009 Record shot by L. Baumgarten. Collar.

Images(2)

Falling Bands

Date1780-1830

MediumCotton (gathered stock and bands); linen (tabs and tape ties); linen sewing thread

DimensionsOW from tab to tab: 12 3/4"; OW including ties, 26 1/2"; OH lying flat with tabs extended: 10 1/2"; Height as worn approximately 2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-864

DescriptionWhite stock of doubled semisheer cotton with two pendants or short bands made of a single layer of semisheer cotton, each 3 1/4 inches wide by 6 to 7 1/2" long (shorter at center front). The neckband consists of two layers of semisheer cotton, about 6 3/8" of fullness, guaged or finely pleated and stitched to narrow linen tabs. The tabs have two pairs of linen tape ties for fastening at the back of the neck. The hems of the hanging bands are 5/8" wide.

Construction History:

1. 1780-1830: Initial Construction
2. March 30, 1955: Cleaning, repairing, restoring by Ernest LoNano. (Purchase order lists this accession number but does refer to it as lace sleeve and ruffles. Unclear if accession number wrong or description wrong.)Label TextFor dressy and formal occasions, men wore strips of fine white linen or cotton around their necks. Stocks were gathered or pleated to tabs that buckled or tied at the back of the neck. Stocks came in several styles. Stocks with hanging linen or cotton bands, called "short bands," were worn by clergymen, barristers, and academics. These stocks became symbolic of the learned professions.
ProvenanceJames Frere, Bluemantle Pursuivant, College of Heralds; Exhibited London Museum, Lancaster House.