Formal Suit

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Collection Type

Clothing and accessories

Date

1790

GUSN

GUSN-37749

Description

Coat [A]: Brown/gold wool; plain; turnover collar, no revers; Ten closed long buttonholes; large copper engraved buttons; two at cuffs; and at back flaps; cut away; green trim at button holes; single breasted. Waistcoat [B]: Brown/gold wool; plain; no collar; eleven silk covered buttons; cut away below waist at pocket seam; two pockets with pointed flaps lined with chartreuse silk; flannel back section; single breasted. Breeches [C]: Brown/gold wool/doeskin; full front with four buttons; waistband with three large buttons; lined with linen/silk; five buttons and strap at knee; four pockets gathered and gusseted at back; strap closure at back.

Details

Descriptive Terms

suits (main garments)
cloth
cotton (textile)
stitching
linen (material)
silk (textile)
wool (textile)
battles
commemoratives
fancy dress
marines (visual works)
wars
Men's clothing
Linen
Hand Stitched
Court
Formal
Maritime
Nautical
Revolutionary War
Commemorative
Battle
Cotton
Silk
Wool
Homespun
SUIT

Label

The donor gave this coat with the family history that it had been worn by Dr. Samuel Guild when presented at the French Court with John Paul Jones and officers of the frigate Bonhomme Richard after its victory over the British ship HMS Serapis at the Battle of Flamborough Head on September 23, 1779. For the victory King Louis XVI of France made John Paul Jones a chevalier, or knight--a title he used for the rest of his life. Muster lists indicate that Dr. Guild served as surgeon's mate on the Alliance, one of the vessels serving with the Bonhomme Richard during the Revolutionary War, and was stationed in France when Jones received his knighthood.

Associated Person

Jones, John Paul

Additional Identification Number

1935.370 A

Maker

Unknown

Accession Number

1935.370A-C

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