Description:
Man's navy-blue, cutaway coat made of wool broadcloth with a brown velvet collar and brass buttons (not original), which was bought at the auction of Barnard family belongings in 1968, at the Francis Barnard barn in the Patten Hill district of Shelburne, Massachusetts. The property had been in the Barnard family since 1790 when Elisha Barnard (1763-1845), the son of John Barnard (1713-1785) and Ruth Catlin Barnard (1721/2-1785), originally of Deerfield, moved to Shelburne during the Revolution and built the house. The property descended through the family to their son, Elisha Barnard (1807-1886); then Francis Edward Barnard (1836-1889); to David Barnard (1874-1961); and then to Francis Barnard (1898-1988) who sold the property in 1968. The coat's notched collar, which became an important feature in the early 19th century, enbled the tailor to visually connect the lapels with a much higher, turned-down collar. It also added a point of visual interest in a monochromatic garment. Sometimes the edge was trimmed with a narrow braid or cord to enhance this subtle design element. High quality wool broadcloth had been successfully manufactured in the United States, and in particular New England, since the early 19th century; it was easy to use and long lasting.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+86.107 |
