Item 2023.83.5 - Court Suit Waistcoat, part of Ceremonial Dress

2023.83.5

Court Suit Waistcoat, part of Ceremonial Dress

Item

1

Waistcoat in a black velvet fabric. Waistcoat is front fastening via four cut steel buttons. At either side of the front opening sits a horizontal, welted pocket. The reverse of the waistcoat is made from a black silk fabric with a cinch fastening comprising of two silk tabs that can be tightened using a gold-coloured, base metal buckle. The waistcoat is lined with a cream, silk lining. There have been some alterations to the waistcoat, with two inserts into the side seams.

No Label
Materials: Silk; Cotton; Linen; Metal
Measurements: 55cm [Chest]; 57cm [Length]
Details: Ornate buttons; pockets
Physical Condition: Lining is worn

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