Gentleman's Taffeta Suit And Waistcoat, Yellow-green Miniature - France, Circa 1785

Circa 1785
France

A French gentleman’s coat and waistcoat in green-yellow taffeta dating from the Louis XVI period. Exquisite taffeta with iridescent trim, featuring a miniature dotted pattern. The coat has a fitted cut with long, flared tails, set-in sleeves with buttoned cuffs, and a high, stand-up collar. Fourteen large matching buttons, only two of which have buttonholes in the front (one button is missing from the back). Large side pockets with flaps lined in cream taffeta. Matching waistcoat complete with its eighteen buttons of the same type, pockets with crenellated flaps, cotton lining, and original terry cloth back (rust stains on the back). The cream taffeta lining of the coat is partially missing, revealing the details of the inner construction! No major flaws, aside from slight micro-stains on the vest and slightly frayed silk at the cuff folds. The silk is sturdy and has no holes. Stable condition.

Dimensions: Equivalent to French men’s size 46–48. Coat: Height 109 cm, Shoulders 36 cm, Sleeves 62 cm, Chest 90 cm. Vest: Shoulders 35 cm, Chest 90 cm, Waist 82 cm, Height 68 cm.