Images(10)

Coat and Breeches

Date1760-1770

OriginEurope, France

MediumSilk, Linen, Copper Alloy (Brass Buttons), Wood

DimensionsCoat
Overall center front: 40 inches
Center back: 24 inches
Overall center back: 40.25 inches
Waist: 34 inches
Chest: 36 inches

Breeches
Outseam 18.25 inches
Inseam: 15.75 inches
Waist: 36 inches

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2021-7,A&B

DescriptionCoat: The coat is cut to button across the chest with twelve functioning buttons and buttonholes. The coat is lined in a robin’s egg blue silk in the front and lower skirt panels. The silk has a distinctive striation pattern running through it. The center back, sleeves, and pockets are made of a plain-woven white linen. The center back of the coat retains the older fashion style center back pleat with three buttonholes worked to either side, along with a “crows foot” at the center back seam. The pocket flaps are lined in the blue silk and cover over the earlier style triangular pocket openings. The overall cut of the coat skirt is very angular as illustrated in Diderot’s Encyclopedia. The cuff on each sleeve is finished with three buttons and buttonholes. The coat has no collar, but a narrow reinforcing band.

Construction History for the coat:
1. ca 1760 initial construction

Breeches: The breeches are made with the early style button front closure with two front pockets and two side seam pockets with bags that go towards the back of the leg. The backside of the breeches is pleated into the waistband. The center front closure closes with two buttons and the waistband closes with three brass buttons. The waistband contains a fob on the proper right side of the body. The garters are cut integral with the leg of the breeches and the garter applied over top. The brass buttons are probably later period replacements.

Construction History for the breeches:
1. ca 1760 initial construction
2. ca 1780 brass button replacements