Figure 1.--This unidentified American boy looks to be about 5 years old. He ius elegantly done up in a kilt suit, decorated with frogging. Notice the Eton collar. the cabinet card is undated, but was probably taken in the early-1880s. The studio was Langhorne in Plainfield, New Jersey.

This unidentified American boy looks to be about 5 years old. He ius elegantly done up in a kilt suit, decorated with frogging. Notice the Eton collar. the cabinet card is undated, but was probably taken in the early-1880s. The studio was Langhorne in Plainfield, New Jersey. A reader provides a more detailed description. "Facinating image. Obviousdly a well poised studio portrait. I notice the boy wears his hair with what could be mistaken for a modern hairstyle for a boy 5 years old. The Eton collar is of the larger kind with pointed collar and it is worn with a ribbon tie popular in the 1870s before the guge floppy boes of the 1880s appeared. It also appears to be of a solid color and probably made of silk. The kilt suit is interesting in that it looks as if a vest has beern incorporated as part of the jacket. The buttons are fabric covered and ornamental to give it the vest look as well as eight buttons that appear to open or close the jacket part. There are what I count five ornamental buttons to give it a vest look on either side of the Eton Collar and another seven ornamental buttons running up from the hem of the jacket to accentuate the open jacket look even though it is one piece. In addition, raised seams are employed to give it a vest look. Some are horizontal to accentuate the ornamental buttons. The kilt section appears to be attached to a bodice that would be worn under the blouse. The kilt is plain in the front with pleats running from the sides through the back. There is also two fabric buttons and a matching ribbon done in a bow with a shield that maybe a small wallet or is ornamental that attaches to the plain front of the kilt to give it that Scottish look wven without plaid fabric. That is, however, only a guess. The blouse has plain cuffs to match the Eton collar. He is wearing what I believe are thick black woolen stockings which makes me think that the kilt suit is not black but some other dark color such as gray, navy, dark green, brown etc. The shoes are high top and button on, very common in merica diring the second half of the 10th-century and early-20th century. My guess is that the outfit would require someone to dress the boy especially the shoes seem too difficult to button by himself at that age. And having to button eight buttons seems a bit much too. But that is only a guess."

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Created: 2:50 AM 7/28/2021
Last updated: 9:40 PM 7/28/2021