Shirt
Date1750-1770
OriginAmerica, Massachusetts
MediumLinen
DimensionsOverall: 29 × 38 1/2in. (73.7 × 97.8cm)
Credit LineGift of Adam Coman
Object number2024-256
DescriptionA plain mans or boys linen shirt. The body is made from a fine white linen, while the wristbands are made from a courser white linen. The shirt is seamed on both sides, with selvages only present and used on the left side of the shirt. Each sleeve is cut with the underarm gusset attached to the sleeve, not separate as typically seen. The sleeve is also cut with the selvedge edge facing the end of the sleeve that attaches to the body of the shirt. No binder or linings covers over where the sleeve attaches to the body, instead it is carefully whipped down to the shirt body. Each side of the neck is shaped with a triangular gusset and a very narrow shoulder strap reinforces the top of the shoulder. The collar closes at the neck with two buttons (now missing) and two buttonholes and the wristband were made for sleeve buttons (cufflinks).Label Text18th century shirts are very rare survivors. Shirts from this period have unique features such as full sleeves, narrow wristbands, and narrow shoulder straps across the top of the shirt. This garment was the under most garment that a man wore daily. It would have been regularly cleaned, washed, starched, and blued to maintain its crisp white appearance.ProvenancePre-2024, purchased by Adam Coman (Boerne, TX) from dealer (MA); 2024-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
