Rare, unusual and interesting antique costumes and textiles; for museums and collectors looking for that extra special piece, for new and established collectors and for those with a modest budget who want to adorn their person or home.

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Riding Waistcoat
1785-90

Thomas Coutts had three beautiful daughters, known as The Three Graces.  This waistcoat would have belonged to one of them.



I have already discovered that one of the last directors of Coutts Bank was born in Somerset in 1832. This ties in with the lady who purchased the waistcoat from a member of the Coutts family who lived in Somerset.



Portrait used is of Sarah Webb by William Payne c 1786. Victoria Art Gallery, Bath & North East Somerset Council but seen in Hopkin's Waistcoat book*. Clearly this was worn for riding.



 


Cataloguing

The edges of the wide lapels finely embroidered in chain stitch with a mauve scalloping and small sprays of leaves, double breasted with eight sets of buttons, each covered in linen with silver ring of chain stitch, the faux pockets embroidered with silver chain design above a line of leaves, above similar but with silver tassels,F Coutts hand written in red ink inside the back neck, the back of slightly looser linen, laced to centre back.



Underarm 33 in; 85 cm



Centre back to hem.17 in; 43 cm


Condition

The handwritten F Coutts can be read but a little blurd. Amazingly all the buttons are there. I am not sure if the cord lacing is original, certainly looks old. There is light brown markings to both shoulder areas and onto the lapel. Similar light brown markings to the front button area and to pocket area. I can send detailed photos if you are interested. The back top area is similarly stained.


Comments

* Waistcoats from The Hopkins Collection 1720-1950 by Alan & Vanessa Hopkins p 69.