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Materials: Fine black wool
broadcloth, two striped linings, others plain cotton, linen and leather,
vest with brown twill cotton back and steel buckle, fabric covered
buttons on coat and vest, black metal buttons on trousers.
Provenance: This is the wedding suit of
William Rowe. He and his bride were wed in eastern Pennsylvania in 1873.
Label: Inked on trouser watch
pocket,
"Wm. Rowe, Esqr.".
Condition: Exterior is perfect;
linings show some wear.
Measurements: Coat: Sh-Sh, 16.5";
Chest, 36"; Front L, 35". Vest: Chest, 34"; L, 20";
W, 31". Trousers: W, 28"; Inseam L, 32".
Comments: I believe Mr. and Mrs.
William Rowe enjoyed a morning or afternoon wedding, as the groom's
frock coat was a bit less formal in the 1870s than the cut away dress
coat. This coat has a wide skirt, especially in back. By the 1880s frock
coats were cut with significantly less fullness in the skirt area. The
wide revers are another detail typical of 1870s gentleman's fashion. The
wedding vest is double breasted and has a roll away collar. Construction
on the trousers is amazing. The hem of each pant leg is half faced with
a band of dark brown leather; above that the legs have a four inch linen
lining. The whole seat area of the trousers are lined as well.
Beautifully tailored, this three piece wedding suit is a truly historic
garment.
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