Man's Waistcoat
Period1830 - 1850
Date1830-1850
MediumSilk, cotton, leather.
Dimensions19.75 in. (50.2 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Men's
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Henry G. Gulick, 2017
Object number2017.2.26
DescriptionMan's waistcoat of pale golden brocaded silk with large floral sprigs and fine pale blue striped background. Shawl collar. Slightly padded chest area. Five-button front closure. Two waist pockets. Fine ribbed silk back with drawstring waist adjustment. Full cotton lining. Light brown leather facings on inside left and right front.Curatorial RemarksThe Association has at least two waistcoats owned and worn by Monmouth resident George Harrison Wikoff (1806-1854), including Wikoff's black silk and pink rosebud-embroidered wedding waistcoat (accession number 374.) Although waistcoats can be somewhat challenging to date, a look at this garment's broad shaped collar and relatively high button closure profile indicates it was made between 1830 and 1840. The waistcoat was entirely handsewn. The fine stitching and quality of construction indicates its construction by a professionally trained tailor.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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