Waistcoat

PeriodCirca 1851

Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.

MediumBrocade satin, glazed cotton, kid leather, twill tape

ClassificationsCostume, Men's

Credit LineGift of Catherine Van Derveer, 1948

Object number3222

DescriptionA man's double-breasted waistcoat of golden yellow brocade with an allover pattern of red, pink and white geraniums. The waistcoat includes a deep shawl collar, a five-button double-breasted front closure, two waist pockets, and a single breast pocket at the proper left side. The waistcoat is backed with dark brown glazed cotton. The garment's fit can be adjusted with a buckle at the rear waist and white cotton twill tape ties at the rear shoulders. The waistcoat is lined with off-white glazed cotton and faced with narrow strips of kid leather along the waist seam edge.
Curatorial RemarksThe Historical Association has a number of "wedding" waistcoats or vests in its collection. These garments, often of expensive and colorful fabrics, are important dating tools in identifying the sometimes subtle fashion changes in men's clothing. Compare this vest, made in or around 1851, with that of the 1834 wedding vest of Joseph Thomas (Accession Number 1051).NotesThis elegant waistcoat was owned and worn by Benjamin Schanck Vanderveer at his wedding to Eleanor Johnston on December 20, 1853. Vanderveer was born on October 17, 1814, in Raritan, New Jersey. After moving to Monmouth County, he married Pleasant Valley (now Holmdel) resident Eleanor Johnston (1828 - 1880) in about 1851. The couple raised eight children and ran a successful farm in Marlboro. Vanderveer was also active in local politics, at one time serving as a freeholder in Marlboro and as tax collector. Benjamin Vanderveer died at the age of 84 on July 14, 1898.

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