Wedding Slippers, about 1830

An attached mailing label reads: "From B. Shinberg, Gilbert Shoe Co., 151 Essex St., Haverhill, Mass." An included note indicates that that these were wedding slippers worn by a Mrs. Davis of Cambridge, MA around 1830. Shape of heel and toe suggest that the 1830 date is appropriate. White slipper/shoes such as this were typically used at weddings. The very slight wear corroborates this use.

Dress, about 1850

Baby Booties, about 1930

Child's Dress, 1810-1825

The puff-over-long sleeve style was seen in women's fashions around 1810-1820. Pastel silks were also used during this period for "best dresses." See: Bradfield, Costume in Detail, pp.107-110; Buck & Cunnington, Children's Costume, p. 195. This dress was probably worn with pantalettes, probably by a little girl, although boys wore similar dresses in this era before the age of about three.

Boy's Jacket, about 1820

This jacket is for a very young boy, perhaps three or four years of age, and is notable for its exquisite hand-stitching. It belonged to the Mitchell family of Long Island, New York.

Boy's Jacket, about 1820

This young boy's military-looking jacket is unlined and was probably for summer wear. It belonged to the Mitchell family of rural New York State.

Baby Rattle, about 1785

Coral and bells were rattles, whistles and teethers for fairly well to do babies in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century. It is also plausible that some were used in the country in the seventeenth century as they are depicted in European paintings from that era.Silversmiths produced these for purchase in gold and more commonly in silver. The coral could be replaced if it was broken or got too gummy.The coral is an essential part of this piece.It is smooth and cool for teething . Coral was…

Quilted Petticoat, about 1800-1825

Between 1740 and 1800 dresses had open front skirts or they were looped up the sides to reveal the petticoat.Quilted petticoats were usually decorated along the hemline.Not only were these used for decoration, but for warmth as well.Later into the nineteenth century a quilted petticoat was primarily used for warmth.

Breeches, about 1800-1825

Waistcoat, about 1830

A remarkable example of French embroidery executed with dyed and flattened moosehair.The Upper Great Lakes Natives employed moosehair embroidery work on their goods; however, they clearly adopted French styles here for trade to Europeans.Canadian museums contain a few similar examples, but this is rather rare.

Bonnet, 1825-1875

Bonnet, 1825-1875

Parian Brooch, about 1850

It is possible that this was used in mourning as it is without sheen, is colorless and is a wreath, a symbol generally associated with mourning and everlasting life in the mid nineteenth century.Furthermore the forget-me-nots scattered throughout the piece are often found on mourning jewelry.A curator from the Bennington Museum in Vermont stated (1964) that this was likely to be a British piece based on the configuration of specifics of the flowers--perhaps Minton.Parian porcelain jewelry was ra…

Necklace, about 1920

The faceting on the beads, mark 14 and configuration of the clasp suggest an early mid twentieth century date of manufacturer.The mark 14 allows us to assume the metal is 14 karat gold.

Bonnet, about 1800

Boy's Red Wool Dress, about 1850

Red wool dress with wide shoulders, cap sleeves. Silk-lined Basque bodice with tucked front. Unlined flat-pleated skirt with tuck. Purple silk applique. Piping at waist and sleeve seams. Center-back hook and threaded-eye closure. Expertly hand-sewn; small stitches. This dress is notable for its exquisite workmanship, high styling for a children's garment, and unisex quality. It was probably for a boy, and probably worn with drawers and undersleeves. The bodice tucks and shoulder/sleeve construct…

Dress, 1825-1829

According to the source, the dress fabric was originally made and embroidered around 1785, and made over in the early 19th century.

Jacket, about 1800-1825

A fine early (Empire) 19th century men's jacket, likely worn with tight fitting pantaloons.

Dress, 1820-1825

This dress descended down through the family of Louise Ogle Scull (1828-1906?), grandmother of the donor. Scull lived in Somerset, Pennsylvania, seat of Somerset County. She is said to have married Edward Scull in 1848. The mancheron of the sleeves is reminiscent of the 1810s, but the waist is lower indicating the 1820-23 period. The Van Dyked trim, collar, puffed oversleeve, and skirt treatment are typical of the early 1820's.