Coat

PeriodCirca 1835

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

MediumWool, glazed cotton, metal

Dimensions36.25 in. (92.1 cm)

ClassificationsCostume, Men's

Credit LineGift of Dr. John C. Forsyth, 1961

Object number1988.695

DescriptionA man's frock style coat of brown wool, with notched lapels, long fitted and shaped sleeves, a close-fitting button front with five cloth-covered buttons, and two pockets at left and right hips. The coat's skirt flares out from the waist seam, constructed with back skirt pleats. Cloth covered buttons are also sewn as decoration above the back pleats and pairs at each sleeve end. The inside shoulders of the coat are lined with fine white glazed cotton.
Curatorial RemarksWilliam Forsythe's brown wool wedding coat was made in the latest style for his 1835 marriage. The upper portion of the coat fit snugly to the wearer's chest, while the skirts flared out, accentuating the man's nipped-in waistline. Forsythe would have worn his wedding coat with a pair of long trousers, either in a matching or a contrasting fabric, quite possibly with straps that would have fastened under his boots or shoes, and a white shirt. The Historical Association also has in its collection Forsythe's white silk stock, worn around his neck above the shirt, his knitted stockings, and gloves. To finish the ensemble, Forsythe would almost certainly have worn a glossy black top hat for the occasion.NotesThis coat was owned and worn by William R. Forsythe. Born in 1807 in Allentown, Monmouth County, New Jersey, Forsythe was a businessman in New York City. He wore this smart garment as part of his wedding outfit at his marriage to Helen Spader of New York City. The couple married on February 10, 1835, and had seven children: Emma Augusta (1835 - 1911), Mary E. (1837 - 1907), Helen S. (1839 - 1907), Adelaide (1840 - 1844), Samuel (1843 - 1864), William R. (1845 - 1921), and Adelaide (1847 - 1920). After retiring, William Forsyth (sometimes spelled Forsythe) moved back to Allentown with his wife and unmarried children. He died at the age of 40 on December 12, 1847.

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