Velvet Suit and Matching Tam


Figure 1.--This CDV portrait is unidentified. All we know is that the boy is American. We believe the portrait was taken in the early 1870s. (The fact that there is no studio logos is an indicator that it is an 1860s or early 70s portrait.) I am not sure how to classify this suit, but note the many elements of military styling. Also note the matching tam that the boy is holding. It has a colored pom. I'm not sure about the color, but would guess that it was red. Image courtesy of the PH collection.

This CDV portrait is unidentified. All we know is that the boy is American. We believe the portrait was taken in the early 1870s. (Th fact that there is no studio logos is an indicator that it is an 1860s or early 70s portrait.) I am not sure how to classify, but it is basically a collar-buttoning suit and looks to be done in velvet. It is much more styling than is common for these suits. We suspect that he came from an affluent family and his mother was a very stylish lady. The most destinctive aspect of the suit is the many varied aspects of military styling (shoulder epauletes, cuff devives, and brass buttons). He wears a blouse with a very small collar. It is a kneepants suit worn with white stockings. Also note the matching tam that the boy is holding. It has a colored pom. I'm not sure about the colorof the pom, but would guess that it was red. A reader writes, "You are right in saying that this suit does have a millitary look about it. Have a closer look at the picture and look at the fabric. Could it be velvet by any chance as it looks as though it has a velvety sheen about it." Yes I would say this is a velvet suit.








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Created: 5:27 AM 5/3/2006
Last updated: 5:27 AM 5/3/2006