Coat, Suit
Coat, Suit
Coat, Suit

Coat, Suit

Object

Accession Number
2016.014.001.001
Alternate Name
Suit, child's
Description
Mint green velvet child's jacket. Silver coloured metal buttons. Machined lace ruffle at bottom of sleeves. Samuel Bros. label on inside of neck.
Narrative
This suit was made by Samuel Brothers of London in about 1874 and worn by the donor’s grandfather, John William Bryden (1869-1954). Various repairs have been undertaken over many years, including partial re-lining, the replacement of lace on vest’s collar, and possibly the replacement of lace on the cuffs of the jacket. Typically, Victorian boys' suits (such as this one) were modified over time for younger generations to use when serving as page boys at weddings. Accordingly, this suit was possibly worn by one, two, or all three of John William Bryden's sons. 
History of Use
The donor inherited this suit from her father,  and was told by her grandmother (Mrs. John William Bryden), that it had been worn by grandfather Bryden when he was a boy. John William Bryden was the first-born grandson of Robert & Joan Dunsmuir.
Date
circa 1874
Material
Fabric, silk, velvet; Metal; Lace
Technique
Sewn
Inscription
on a label stitched to the garment:
SAMUEL BROTHERS LONDON. DENHAM HOUSE 65 & 67 LUDGATE HILL
Country of Origin
United Kingdom

Related people/businesses/organizations
Samuel Brothers Ltd. (manufacturer)
John William Bryden (owner)
Gerald Robert Bryden (owner)
Related Objects

Knickers, 2016.014.001.002 (is part of)

Vest, 2016.014.001.003 (is part of)