Waistcoat

PeriodCirca 1834

Place MadePossibly New York City, New York, U.S.A.

MediumSilk brocade, glazed cotton, linen

ClassificationsCostume, Men's

Credit LineGift of William N. Palmer and His Sister Mrs. Annie McNally, 1937

Object number1051

DescriptionA man's vest of rich brown silk brocade with a floral paisley pattern in royal blue. The waistcoat is constructed witih a shawl collar, a six-button front closure with black silk covered buttons, two waist pockets, and a breast pocket at proper left. The pockets, collar, and front edges all bound with narrow black silk. The back of the vest is of brown glazed cotton, with tabs and buckle at the waist for size adjustment. The vest is lined with off-white plain linen.
Curatorial RemarksThe Historical Association has a number of wedding waistcoats or vests. Carefully preserved by family members, these vests are valuable tools to dating clothing styles as they can often be pinpointed to specific years.NotesThis striking and elegant waistcoat, also known as a vest, was owned and worn by Joseph Thomas. Born in about 1805 in England, Thomas emigrated to the United States and worked as a printer in New York City. He married Long Island resident Abigail "Abbie" Tucker (1810 - 1882) in about 1834. The couple had four children while in New York: Alexander (b. 1835), Isabell (1837 - 1907), Augustus T. (1842 - 1914), and Joseph Henry (b. 1844). Joseph and Abbie moved to Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey, in about 1848, purchasing a farm along Harmony Road. They had a fifth child, daughter Sarah Louisa (1850 - 1937) after moving to Monmouth. Joseph Thomas died at the age of 78 on January 27, 1883.

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