Скачать или смотреть A closer look at a civil war era women’s paletote jacket

This week's "Martha's Collection" feature is one of the oldest garments and one of my favorites.
I learned that this type of jacket is called a paletote (I also learned it is pronounced "pal-uh-toe). I learned that ball fringe trim dates back to the early 1800's. I noticed the buttons are on the right side instead of the left side as is customary now for women's garments, and did a bit of research into that which alludes to several theories, but one theory is buttons were located on the right side of men's clothing as a jacket buttoned on the right would allow a right handed person to more easily draw a sword from the left side without snagging it on the opening. Another theory is that upper class women often had servants who assisted them in dressing, so it would have been easier for a right handed servant to fasten with the buttons on the left when standing in front of the wearer. This garment with the buttons on the right would have been easier for a right handed wearer to fasten themselves. (which to me makes more sense for an outer wear garment) I see this jacket as having a military influence in its design, with its shoulder detail being somewhat akin to shoulder epaulets and the bias bands are reminiscent of those on military uniforms. The civil war was from 1861-1865 and I estimate this jacket to be from the 1860's. The size of it is very small with it measuring 31" at the bust ( and this was worn over clothing) and similar in size to the first Martha's Collection dress I featured (also from the 1860s) so l feel it's possible it belonged to that same family member, but which one is unknown at this time. Thank you Martha's family for the donation and thank you for being here with me on this journey! #victorianfashion #civilwarera #1860s #ballfringe #antiqueclothing