1850-1860 Victorian Civil War Civilian Shawl Collar Vest size 40

Description

The classic man's vest of the mid nineteenth century, which as come to be called the shawl collar vest. Made at the time in a wide variety of materials, with a standard cotton back, it was meant as an accent piece. Louis Devere's manual states that all fit adjustments were to be made in the back by the belt.
While the term "civilian" has been applied to this style of vest, military service did not preclude use within the ranks. This style of vest was documented to be worn in both the Union and Confederate armies. A similiar vest in black velvet was worn by a member of the Washington Artillery of New Orleans.
This vest is produced using our own produced tailoring grade jeancloth. Welts are the typical 5/8" of the 1860's period. It bears hand top stitching along the front armscye, and along the side seam. Hand button holes and self fabric (jeancloth) covered buttons offer the finishing touches to this elegant and essential garment of the mid nineteenth century.