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Waistcoat
Waistcoat
Waistcoat

Waistcoat

PeriodCirca 1838 - 1840
Place MadePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
MediumEmbroidered silk, glazed cotton
ClassificationsCostume, Men's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Charlotte Wikoff Gulick, 1933
Object number374
DescriptionA man's waistcoat or vest of glossy black silk embroidered with scattered pink rosebud sprays. The vest is constructed with a deep shawl collar, a five-button front closure, two waist pockets, and a backing of black silk. The vest is lined with glazed brown cotton.
Curatorial RemarksThe original accession record for this garment notes that the vest was "worn in 1840 by George Harrison Wikoff." It is likely that this elegant garment was a wedding waistcoat, made in 1836 for Wikoff's wedding to Louisa Schureman. As with many women who saved their wedding dresses, men also carefully stored their fancy wedding vests. The Association has at least eight men's wedding waistcoats in its collection. NotesThis elegant waistcoat was worn by George Harrison Wikoff. Born in 1806 in Philadelphia, Wikoff attended the College of New Jersey and became a physician. He married Louisa Schureman in 1836 in Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey. The couple had three children: Julia (b. 1838), Isabella (b. 1840), and Frederick (b. 1846). George Wikoff died at the age of 48 on December 15, 1854.
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