Waistcoat

PeriodCirca 1836

Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.

MediumSilk and wool, linen

Dimensions23 × 22 in. (58.4 × 55.9 cm)

ClassificationsCostume, Men's

Credit LineGift of Gilbert T. Van Mater, 1933

Object number297

DescriptionA man's cream colored silk and wool blend waistcoat, with a high-standing shawl collar and two bound hip pockets, and a front closure consisting of eight self-covered small buttons with six hand-sewn buttonholes, with the top two buttons being decorative. The waistcoat is lined with sturdy off-white linen. The back of the waistcoat is constructed of and lined with off-white linen, with two vertical plackets sewn near the left and right side seams, both with five eyelets down the panels, and a portion of the original cotton lacing string, allowing the vest to be fitted to the wearer.
Curatorial RemarksThe Association has a number of men's wedding waistcoats in its collection, all made and worn in Monmouth County. Wedding waistcoats were often made of elegant or expensive fabrics, and represented a milestone in the wearer's life. These waistcoats were carefully packed away, handed down to children and grandchildren as a memento. The Van Mater waistcoat, made of a fine-quality silk and wool blend fabric, was most likely made locally. The exaggerated stand-up shawl collar is a hallmark of men's fashions of the late 1830s.NotesThis elegant and well-made man's waistcoat, of cream-colored fabric in a silk/wool blend, was owned and worn by Keyport, Monmouth County resident Gilbert Van Mater. Born in 1803, Van Mater worked as a farmer for his adult life. His obituary, which appeared in the Keyport Weekly newspaper on September 10, 1881, noted that Van Mater was "a noble and upright man, straight forward and honest in every transaction, and his sons emulate his worthy example." Van Mater may well have worn this waistcoat at his wedding to Sarah Taylor on May 23, 1836. The waistcoat was donated by Gilbert Van Mater's grandson, Gilbert Taylor Van Mater (1881 - 1963). Van Mater lived his entire life in Keyport. He was a farmer, and served as Keyport's City Clerk for many years. He was also the President of the Monmouth County Historical Association beginning in 1929.

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