Man's waistcoat, British, 1755-1765, ivory silk satin, embroidered with silver thread

A man's waistcoat, the fronts and back of ivory silk satin, lined with undyed fustian; the skirts and fronts faced with silk twill. It has a round, bound neckline and curving fronts with skirts to mid-thigh. The fronts are embroidered-to-shape with silver filé, spangles and purl, in a trailing pattern of leaves and flowers. There are 12 worked buttonholes along the left front with 12 corresponding buttons, wrapped with silver strip and thread. Three of the same buttons are sewn under the pocket flaps.

The waistcoat has been altered, probably within the life of the wearer; the front of the side seams let out and insertions of slightly paler satin added.

Given by Mr K. L. Stock

The waistcoat was an essential part of a man’s suit in the 1700s. It was sometimes made of a contrasting colour and material to the coat and breeches of the suit. This fine waistcoat with silver embroidery could have been worn with a matching white satin coat, or a dark velvet one, or even a plain broadcloth coat and breeches. As the coat was usually worn unbuttoned, the decoration, either woven or embroidered, of the waistcoat was applied to the waistcoat fronts, hems and pockets.

T.441-1970