There is a label to the back of the waistcoat Abraham Flint. Pricilla Marsh both of Ashford were married by licence July 15th 1742. Ashford is in the county of Kent in the South of England. The expensive silk was not used on the back and sleeves as these would not be seen under a coat.
Snuff brown shade in cut and uncut figured silk with a large stylised flowerhead sprig, their petals of cut brocade, between smaller flower sprays, the background of plain satin weave, the front with high rounded neck, curving front cutaway to the skirts, embroidered buttons to both sides, buttonholes to the right hand side, the first 13 open, the sleeves of plain worsted wool , the shaped cuffs of the wool brocade with one button, the large deep pockets with four fake buttonholes to the flap, four buttons below, the upper back of same plain wool worsted, the lower of the patterned brocade, deep side and back open seams, the lining of fine linen, the facings of a fine worsted wool.
Pattern repeat 11 in; 28 cm
Length shoulder to hem 41 in; 1.05 m
Underarm approx 40 in; 1.02 m
The top right hand shoulder seam has come away, but a seamstress could easily repair this. There is a slight darkening to the fabric to the right hand side as you look at the waistcoat, 2 inches down from the top. The mark extends 3 inches, but hardly noticeable. The left hand sleeve front has a very small hole and some scattered light rust type colour markings . There is one small moth hole to the plain back. The lining is quite damaged and coming away near the hem. This needs a good seamstress.
Historical Fashion in Detail. Avril Hart & Susan North p 44 for similar French fabric.
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