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Not currently on display at the V&A

Double-Breasted Frock Coat

1871 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is an excellent example of a double-breasted frock coat. Formal gentleman's daywear of the later 19th century was usually of black or blue-black wool. The jacket, trousers and waistcoat that comprised the suit could be of one colour and were then known as 'dittos'. Alternatively, a contrasting waistcoat and trousers were often worn to add colour and variety to the outfit. This style continued until the 20th century and became identified as the city business man's suit of black coat, striped trousers and bowler hat (replacing the top hat).

This coat is said to have been worn by the donor's father, Robert O'Brien Furlong, C.B., at his wedding in Dublin on 29 June 1871.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Fine wool
Physical description
A typical example of formal day wear of the late 19th century. Usually made of black or blue-black wool, this style continued until the 20th century and became identified as the city business man's suit of black coat, striped trousers and bowler hat which replaced the top hat.
Dimensions
  • Waist circumference: 96cm
  • Chest circumference: 97cm
  • Overall length: 88cm
  • To waist length: 48.5cm
  • Across back width: 35cm
  • Sleeve bottom length: 50.5cm
  • Sleeve top length: 65.8cm
  • Wrist circumference: 29cm
Dimensions taken by Conservation for Wedding Dress mounting, 2009
Gallery label
Frock coat Ireland 1871 From the early 1860s men's clothes became darker and many bridegrooms adopted what became the standard wedding outfit of a dark grey or black coat worn with lighter trousers and a white waistcoat. This double-breasted frock coat is thought to have been worn by the donor's father, Robert O'Brien Furlong, for his wedding in Dublin on 29 June 1871. Wool, lined with silk, with replica collar and tie Given by A.W. Furlong V&A: T.47-1947; T.118A-1953(2011)
Credit line
Given by Mr A. W. Furlong
Object history
This coat is said to have been worn by the donor's father, Robert O'Brien Furlong, C.B., at his wedding in Dublin on 29 June 1871.
Summary
This is an excellent example of a double-breasted frock coat. Formal gentleman's daywear of the later 19th century was usually of black or blue-black wool. The jacket, trousers and waistcoat that comprised the suit could be of one colour and were then known as 'dittos'. Alternatively, a contrasting waistcoat and trousers were often worn to add colour and variety to the outfit. This style continued until the 20th century and became identified as the city business man's suit of black coat, striped trousers and bowler hat (replacing the top hat).

This coat is said to have been worn by the donor's father, Robert O'Brien Furlong, C.B., at his wedding in Dublin on 29 June 1871.
Collection
Accession number
T.47-1947

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Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
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