LOT James D. Julia Auctions  /  Extraordinary Antique & Collectible Firearms  / 

2338

19TH CENTURY GENTLEMAN'S COSTUME

Currency:USD Category:Books Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,000.00 USD
19TH CENTURY GENTLEMAN'S COSTUME
19TH CENTURY GENTLEMAN'S COSTUME. This grouping consists of highly embroidered frock coat and pants. Coat and pants are made of matching dark blue velvet. Fancy 1/8" flat gold braid decorates pants and frock coat in floral patterns. Accompanying this group is a top hat much later than pants and coat. Marked Young brothers with several address in NY inside hat. Les Jensen in his letter of authenticity writes "Observations: although thought to be a diplomatic set, this group of clothing does not match the know regulations for American diplomatic clothing of the mid nineteenth century. Moreover, of the pieces in the group, the coat and pants obviously belong together, but the hat is much later (c. 1890-1900) and the vest and sash are unrelated and have been dealt with separately. The frock coat and breeches do, however, reflect mid-nineteenth century tailoring, materials and workmanship. The use of the greenish/black lining material is typical of the 1860's, as is the flat gold braid. The fact that it is all sewn on by hand indicates a relatively early date. Although some parts of these garments are made by machine, the large amount of had work indicates that considerable care was taken in its construction. At the same time, the lack of pockets indicates it was not intended for any kind of everyday or long term wear. Given the general eighteenth century style to the clothing, with obvious gold braid work of mid nineteenth century style, it is most likely that these two pieces constitute a costume; made for a play or some other public event. Although one tends to think of the 1876 Centennial as being the time when such costumes would be most in evidence, there is ample photographic evidence to show that people made and used quasi eighteenth century dress in the 1850's and 1860's as well. The "New England kitchen" exhibits at some of the U.S. Sanitary Fairs in the north during the Civil war featured people in colonial dress, and there are photographs of individuals in such costume likely made for tableau vivants or other parlor type entertainment. This particular costume may well date from the 1860's rather that from the later Centennial periods, and as such, is a rare survival of the social life of the mid nineteenth century." CONDITION: excellent overall. Has seen little use. Good colors tight stitching. Hat inside has broken sweatband, missing several pieces. 4-56272 (500-1,000)
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