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Materials: Heavy taupe silk faille;
gold galloon trim; linings of worsted wool, felted wool, fustian,
natural linen and silk taffeta; large and small buttons fashioned from
gold wire coils, gold spangles, gold thread, heavy linen thread and
possible wood shank - 22 large buttons on coat, 18 small on waistcoat
and 2 large, 12 small on breeches.
Provenance: Documentation of mid
20th century purchase by an important American collector from Cora
Ginsburg.
Condition: For its age and
rarity, this three piece day suit is in excellent condition. There is
substantial damage in under arm areas of the coat; a torn and repaired
area at the top of the right shoulder; a faint smudged area to lower
right chest on the coat; some damage to the silk taffeta lining. The
waistcoat is nearly perfect; slight underarm stains, buttons and gold
braid are not tarnished. Breeches also in near flawless condition. The
three pieces have all their original buttons.
Measurements: Coat: Sh-Sh,
14"; Chest, 40"; Coat L, 39.5"; Slv L, 24.5".
Waistcoat: Front L, 32". Breeches: W, 36"; L, 20".
Comments: Eighteenth century
men's clothing is extremely scarce. Most of what survives in museum
collections dates from the late 18th century and is very formal and
showy. More often than not, only one or two pieces of an original three
piece suit have survived the centuries. That this three piece middle
class gentleman's day suit exists today in such wonderful condition is
miraculous! Original gold galloon and buttons are all intact. Each piece
is fully lined with a variety of lining materials. Breeches have a
double fall front with deep pockets and are lined with a napped cotton
and linen fustian cloth. Tailoring is typical of the 1720 to 1740 period
and shows no evidence of alteration. This suit could be the centerpiece
of any museum or private collection of 18th century clothing. RARE!
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