Dressed to Kill, Dressed to Till
Seldom found, this pair of nankeen breeches with its matched under drawers are both in very good condition, less period staining in the crotch areas. The nankeen cotton breeches are well-cut and finished, with three large, self-covered buttons on the waistband, and smaller ones of the same for closing the narrow fall and the side pockets flaps. There is a linen gusset behind, with original adjusting lace in the two worked grommet holes placed on each end of the waistbands. There is a welted watch pocket on the front of the right waistband. The waistband lining, gusset in rear, and pockets–as well as button stays and buttonhole reinforcements at the knees–are of plainweave linen. The drawers are made of a similar plainweave linen, with reinforced, open slit fly, the waistband closed with 2 self-covered buttons in front, with one worked grommet holes on each side at rear for adjusting tape (now missing). On the right waistband are the intials MB embroidered with blue thread. Linen tapes of 7/16 in. width are sewn-down to finish the hems of the knees and extend out on each end to serve as closing ties for the 6 inch L slits that run up the outseams.
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