Thursday, January 10, 2013

Lady's Work Shirt/Jacket Very late 18th Century







From the seller:

A very rare 18th century 1760-1780 woman’s linen work shirt that has recently been de-accessioned from a museum collection. The cataloging tag is stitched inside the shirt. This style would have been worn by a working class woman to protect her clothing. The homespun linen shirt has a drawstring waist and front tie closure. It has a flared hemline. The shirt is unlined. It is in very good and sturdy condition. There is a period mend under one arm and a small patch mend on one sleeve. These repairs were done during the time period. There are a couple of small age spots on the bottom of the front hemline. Bust 42 Waist is adjustable Sleeve length 24 Length from shoulder to hemline 24, For those of you who collect early garments this is a great addition for your collection as this style is rarely seen on the open market.

From Me:

Based upon the bust line and the overall construction, I think this is a straight jacket without it's buckles actually 1790's. It has too many Regency era aspects to me to think it's Rococo.

2 comments:

  1. HA! Straight jacket....hehe. I would date this as first quarter 19th c due to the long embicile sleeves~ I have a few short gowns mid 18th c and all are quite shorter than this in the body, with typical half/ 3/4 length sleeves. There are of coarse 18th short gowns with full length sleeves, but not particularly long like this ones', which would have been pushed up the arm when worn. Comparing it side to side with my earlier ones is on the to do list

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    Replies
    1. The sleeves are 24" in length which is only a couple of inches longer than I normally make my sleeves. I think this is more of an optical illusion than actual ridiculously long sleeves. The lady may have been just a tall lady, hence the 24" sleeves. Some examples of long sleeves in the 1790's:

      http://damesalamode.tumblr.com/image/17370353590

      http://damesalamode.tumblr.com/image/4982880298

      http://damesalamode.tumblr.com/image/13063045858

      The following purple jacket looks VERY similar in cut, but with short sleeves:

      http://damesalamode.tumblr.com/image/13063045858

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