Waistcoat

A modest silver lace (braid) adorns this waistcoat of plain blue silk satin. In the 18th century the term lace applied to the fine linen variety that we are familiar with, as well as what we now call braid. In this example, silk, silver thread and silver-gilt strip have been woven in a simple geometric pattern. Like many metal laces of this period, the silver has tarnished and only a faint glimmer of the gilt remains. Skilful mitring and gathering allows the 2 cm-wide lace to be fitted around the corners and curved lines of the pocket and pocket flap. The short skirt of the waistcoat is typical of the 1770s.