Item 2023.83.4 - Court Suit Coat part of Ceremonial Dress

2023.83.4

Court Suit Coat part of Ceremonial Dress

Item

1

Tailcoat coat [or cutaway coat] in a black velvet fabric. Jacket is front fastening via six cut steel buttons. As with the traditional tailcoat design, the front of the coat is cut away and stops just around waist length. The skirt of the coat at the rear is split and has has two tapering sections or 'tails.' These finish at approximately knee length. The coat originally had a cream, silk lining but is now unlined, leaving it's construction visible.

No Label
Materials: Silk; Cotton; Linen; Metal
Measurements: 51cm [Chest]; 106cm [Length]
Details: Ornate buttons; Tails
Physical Condition: Lining has been removed from garment.

The style of this Court Suit has its origins in the men's fashions of the 18th Century and was a requirement of attending the royal court in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The tailcoat would often have been worn with a waistcoat, knee-breeches worn with silk stockings, buckled shoes, a sword with a cut-steel hilt and a bicorne hat.