1: “Ready-made” Overcoat in a Frock Coat Style, Faded Black, Wool with Horn Buttons, mid-Late 1850’s. C013

 

2: Winter Cap, Wool, 1850’s-1860’s. A017

 

3: Complete Mid 1850’s Men’s Suit. Consists of:

-Frock Coat, identified to a Daniel U. Smith, who wore this coat at his winter wedding on January 1st, 1853, Wool with Alpaca lining and Silk Covered Buttons, 1852-3. C018L

-Pleated Shirt, White, Linen w/ Pearl Buttons, Early-Mid 1850’s. S034

-Waistcoat, Black, Silk and Cotton, 1850’s. VS024

-Trousers, Black, Wool, cotton, and linen, 1850’s. P001/T.1.W

-Cravat or Necktie, Black and Violet, Embroidered Silk, 1840’s-1850’s.

-Suits like this were worn daily by many men in the United States, even in Kansas Territory. Tailors making bespoke garments and merchants selling ‘ready-made’ clothing were the main ways men sourced their wardrobes.

 

4: Top Hat, Black, Brushed Silk Plush, Paper, with Leather Sweatband, 1850’s. A025

 

5: Overcoat in a Sack Coat Style, Black, Wool, Cotton, with Velvet Collar, Early 1860’s. C017

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6: Jacquard Woven Shawl, Paisley, Wool and Silk, 1850’s.

 

7: Waistcoat, Black, Wool and Cotton, 1850’s. VW002

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8: Waistcoat, Black and Blue, Silk Brocade and Cotton, Early 1850’s. VB006

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9: Waistcoat, Dark Brown, Wool Velveteen and Cotton, 1850’s. VV005

 

These artifacts are just four of several recovered from the undersea wreckage of the SS Central America, which sank September 12th, 1857.

10: Undershirt made by now famous Brooks Brothers of NY, White, Wool Knit and Cotton, 1857. S028 

11: Detachable Shirt Collar, White, Linen, 1857. A008

12: Cravat or Necktie, Black and Gold Striped, Silk, 1857. A011

13: Pleated Shirt, White, Linen, 1857. S024

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14: Hand-knit Drawers, White, Wool Yarn and Cotton, 1850’s-1860’s. D001

-Worn as an underwear layer, these drawers were almost certainly made to be worn during the winter months. Would you wear a pair of these to stay warm today?

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15: Hand-knit Suspenders or ‘Braces’, White, Cotton, 1850’s-1870’s. A006

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16: Pocket Handkerchiefs.

-Red, Faded Black, & White, Printed Cotton, Mid-19th Century. A001

-Blue, Yellow, Black, & White, Damascus Silk, 1850’s. A016

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17: “Working” Cap, Black & Gold, Wool with Gold Gilt Binding, 1860’s. A014

& Ambrotype (photograph on glass) showing two unidentified men wearing cold weather shawls, the man on the left wearing a similar cap to the above, 1850’s.

-In a time where hats and caps were worn daily, caps like these were popular among men doing work where a hat brim would be in their way. How often do you wear hats?

 

18: Top Hat made by C. Henderson of Philadelphia, Size No. 6, Black with Brown, Green, White, & Bronze Striped Liner, Silk Plush, Paper, Silk, with Reeded Leather Sweatband, 1850’s.

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19: Men’s Rubber Shoe made by the New England Rubber Company, Black, Vulcanized Rubber, Mid-Late 1850’s.

-Vulcanized rubber clothing such as raincoats, shoes, and hats were very popular among Kansans in the 1850’s. Not only could rubber keep you dry, but it acts as a great insulator in the cold.

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20: Men’s ‘Fusee’ Pocket Watch, Coin Silver, Gold, Porcelain, and Glass, 1842.

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& Eyeglasses with Sliding Temples, Brass and Glass, 1850’s.

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21: Assortment of ‘India Rubber’ Buttons and Comb, Black, Rubber, 1850’s-1860’s.

-Like an early plastic, hard rubber was used to make everything from combs & buttons to photograph cases, pocket mirrors, and more. By the late 1850’s, hard rubber and ‘gutta-percha’ accessories could be found on many garments and in many pockets all over the US.