Clothing & Accessories

Work, play, fashion, economic class, religious faith, even politics—all these aspects of American life and more are woven into clothing. The Museum cares for one of the nation's foremost collections of men's, women's, and children's garments and accessories—from wedding gowns and military uniforms to Halloween costumes and bathing suits.

The collections include work uniforms, academic gowns, clothing of presidents and first ladies, T-shirts bearing protest slogans, and a clean-room "bunny suit" from a manufacturer of computer microchips. Beyond garments, the collections encompass jewelry, handbags, hair dryers, dress forms, hatboxes, suitcases, salesmen's samples, and thousands of fashion prints, photographs, and original illustrations. The more than 30,000 artifacts here represent the changing appearance of Americans from the 1700s to the present day.

A jewelry box made of orange celluloid with a pearlescent finish. The Art Deco style box has a hinged lid which is decorated with a tulip motif. The bottom of the box is lined with felt. It has the Amerith trademark. Amerith was a tradename of the Celluloid Corporation.
Description
A jewelry box made of orange celluloid with a pearlescent finish. The Art Deco style box has a hinged lid which is decorated with a tulip motif. The bottom of the box is lined with felt. It has the Amerith trademark. Amerith was a tradename of the Celluloid Corporation. It is also marked with the pattern name, Brinkley, which was introduced in 1929.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1929
maker
Celluloid Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2006.0098.1675
catalog number
2006.0098.1675
accession number
2006.0098
Shoehorn in the shape of a woman's leg. Made of laminated sheets of celluloid, its top sheet is orange and hand-painted with a red sock and black shoe. The back is the glittery Goldalure celluloid, developed in the mid-1920s.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Shoehorn in the shape of a woman's leg. Made of laminated sheets of celluloid, its top sheet is orange and hand-painted with a red sock and black shoe. The back is the glittery Goldalure celluloid, developed in the mid-1920s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925-1930
ID Number
2006.0098.1584
catalog number
2006.0098.1584
accession number
2006.0098
A brown leather (or imitation leather), red-fabric lined, folding case containing 21 grooming implements. Five metal (scissors, clippers, tweezers, nail cleaner/file, and what appears to be a punch).
Description (Brief)
A brown leather (or imitation leather), red-fabric lined, folding case containing 21 grooming implements. Five metal (scissors, clippers, tweezers, nail cleaner/file, and what appears to be a punch). Three are metal with celluloid handles and the rest are made entirely of imitation ivory celluloid. The implements and the case are unmarked.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2006.0098.1424
catalog number
2006.0098.1424
accession number
2006.0098
A small mirror with a handle made of a velvet ribbon. Attached to the end of the ribbon is a tiny celluloid Kewpie doll. The mirror is made of ivory-grained celluloid and embossed with a floral design.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A small mirror with a handle made of a velvet ribbon. Attached to the end of the ribbon is a tiny celluloid Kewpie doll. The mirror is made of ivory-grained celluloid and embossed with a floral design.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885-1920
ID Number
2006.0098.1145
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.1145
The inscriptions on one side of the blade of this straight razor read “CARBO MAGNETIC / REG. U.S. PAT.
Description
The inscriptions on one side of the blade of this straight razor read “CARBO MAGNETIC / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.” and “60 Griffon XX.” Those on the case reads “Griffon / XX” and “TRADE MARK.” The handle is celluloid.
Alfred Lyman Silberstein (1866-1935) was born in Prussia, came to the U.S. as a young child, and established the Griffon Cutlery Works in New York in 1888. He introduced the term “Carbo-Magnetic” in 1895 and trademarked it in 1905. And he explained that “Fire heat is never uniform; electricity can be exactly measured and regulated as desired. That is why the electric tempering of the Carbo-Magnetic Razor Blade is absolutely uniform from end to end.”
Ref: Griffon Cutlery Works advertisement in McClures Magazine 36 (1911): 64.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2006.0098.1598
catalog number
2006.0098.1598
accession number
2006.0098
A purse-size makeup box made of light brown ivory-grain celluloid. It has a mirror on the back. The box is for eye makeup and is so marked. An image of a flapper holding a folding fan with the word "Poirier" decorates the lid.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A purse-size makeup box made of light brown ivory-grain celluloid. It has a mirror on the back. The box is for eye makeup and is so marked. An image of a flapper holding a folding fan with the word "Poirier" decorates the lid.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1929
ID Number
2006.0098.1685
catalog number
2006.0098.1685
accession number
2006.0098
Celluloid notebook featuring an image of a woman in hat and jacket beside red flowers that may be cherry blossoms. Print on back advertises: "Printzess Distinction in Dress.
Description (Brief)
Celluloid notebook featuring an image of a woman in hat and jacket beside red flowers that may be cherry blossoms. Print on back advertises: "Printzess Distinction in Dress. This label on any coat or suit guarantees perfect fit-- shape retaining quality and two seasons satisfactory wear."
The Printz-Biederman Company of Cleveland, makers of the "Printzess" garments for women, was founded in 1893 by Moritz Printz and Joseph Biederman. The Printz-Biederman Company was widely known for its method of dealing with employees. The workers had a direct voting voice in all matters that affected their welfare.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1903
advertiser
Kaufman Bros.
maker
Kaufman Bros.
ID Number
2006.0098.0473
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0473
A round pocket mirror made of celluloid. A photograph of a man in a fedora is on the front.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A round pocket mirror made of celluloid. A photograph of a man in a fedora is on the front.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
ID Number
2006.0098.1126
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.1126
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1935
ID Number
2006.0098.0903
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0903
Triangular pin for insertion into a button hole. The red and white pin with an image of Caduceus reads: "Hospital Worker // A.H.A. // Hospital Work is War Work." A.H.A. likely stands for the American Hospital Association.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Triangular pin for insertion into a button hole. The red and white pin with an image of Caduceus reads: "Hospital Worker // A.H.A. // Hospital Work is War Work." A.H.A. likely stands for the American Hospital Association.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1941-1944
ID Number
2006.0098.0269
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0269
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925-1935
ID Number
2006.0098.1714
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.1714
A fancy evening purse made of a satin pouch sewn to a celluloid frame, of mottled green and black. The pouch is covered with rings of black celluloid beads. A chain made of black celluloid links is attached to the frame.
Description (Brief)
A fancy evening purse made of a satin pouch sewn to a celluloid frame, of mottled green and black. The pouch is covered with rings of black celluloid beads. A chain made of black celluloid links is attached to the frame. The inside is lined with red silk, and a mirror is inside the lid.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1930
ID Number
2006.0098.0887
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0887
A jewelry box, made of ivory-grained celluloid, in the shape of a dresser. There are four drawers and a mirror. The drawers are lined with pink velvet. The box is unmarked.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A jewelry box, made of ivory-grained celluloid, in the shape of a dresser. There are four drawers and a mirror. The drawers are lined with pink velvet. The box is unmarked.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1929
ID Number
2006.0098.1689
catalog number
2006.0098.1689
accession number
2006.0098
A stamp holder and pocket calendar of cream celluloid. The inside contains a calendar for 1900. A promotional novelty, it advertises Oak Hall Clothing Co. of Boston.
Description (Brief)
A stamp holder and pocket calendar of cream celluloid. The inside contains a calendar for 1900. A promotional novelty, it advertises Oak Hall Clothing Co. of Boston. The front resembles a stamped envelope.
Oak Hall was a well-known men’s clothing retailer in Boston started by George W. Simmons. The name derives from the new woodwork in the store following an 1842 renovation—a look that became synonymous with high-end men’s clothing stores. Thanks to Simmons's aggressive marketing campaigns, the store was familiar to most residents of New England in the mid-19th century. It is mentioned in works by Nathaniel Hawthorne (“Main Street”) and derisively by Henry David Thoreau (“Ktaadn”), as well as in correspondence by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who was incensed at the store’s use of advertising poems (written by “Professor Goodfellow”), and patterned on Longfellow's style.
Source: “Oak Hall in American Literature” by Steven Allaback, in American Literature Vol. 46 No.4 Jan. 1975, p. 545-549.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0980
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0980
A hair receiver made of ivory-grained celluloid. The lift-off lid has a blue monogram. The piece is unmarked.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A hair receiver made of ivory-grained celluloid. The lift-off lid has a blue monogram. The piece is unmarked.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883-1910
ID Number
2006.0098.1677
catalog number
2006.0098.1677
accession number
2006.0098
A shoehorn made of ivory-grained celluloid in the shape of a whale's tail. It was patented in May 1883.Celluloid shoehorn with a “Patd May 20, 1883” inscription.Ref: Martin Gysin and Emil Huber, “Shoe Horn and Jack,” U.S. Patent 271,704 (Feb. 6, 1883).Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A shoehorn made of ivory-grained celluloid in the shape of a whale's tail. It was patented in May 1883.
Description
Celluloid shoehorn with a “Patd May 20, 1883” inscription.
Ref: Martin Gysin and Emil Huber, “Shoe Horn and Jack,” U.S. Patent 271,704 (Feb. 6, 1883).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883
ID Number
2006.0098.1585
catalog number
2006.0098.1585
accession number
2006.0098
A powder box made of ivory-grained celluloid. The lift-off lid bears a blue monogram. The piece is unmarked.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A powder box made of ivory-grained celluloid. The lift-off lid bears a blue monogram. The piece is unmarked.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883-1910
ID Number
2006.0098.1676
catalog number
2006.0098.1676
accession number
2006.0098
A powder box made of orange celluloid with a pearlescent finish. The Art Deco style box has a lift-off lid that is decorated with a tulip motif. The box has the Amerith trademark. Amerith was a tradename of the Celluloid Corporation.
Description (Brief)
A powder box made of orange celluloid with a pearlescent finish. The Art Deco style box has a lift-off lid that is decorated with a tulip motif. The box has the Amerith trademark. Amerith was a tradename of the Celluloid Corporation. It is also marked with the pattern name, Brinkley, which was introduced in 1929.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1929
maker
Celluloid Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2006.0098.1674
catalog number
2006.0098.1674
accession number
2006.0098
Die-cut from a sheet of celluloid.
Description (Brief)
Die-cut from a sheet of celluloid. In the shape of the state of Illinois, the badge reads "Post E Peoria TPA convention Illinois Division Champaign May 22-23, 1908." A circular insignia with three triangles is marked with the letters "TPA." TPA stands for Travelers Protective Association.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908
ID Number
2006.0098.0717
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0717
A compact made of imitation tortoiseshell celluloid. The mirror is set into the outside of the lid. The compact is empty and appears to have been unused. It is unmarked.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A compact made of imitation tortoiseshell celluloid. The mirror is set into the outside of the lid. The compact is empty and appears to have been unused. It is unmarked.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900-1929
ID Number
2006.0098.1688
catalog number
2006.0098.1688
accession number
2006.0098
A glove stretcher made of cream and orange celluloid. It is unmarked.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A glove stretcher made of cream and orange celluloid. It is unmarked.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
ID Number
2006.0098.1571
catalog number
2006.0098.1571
accession number
2006.0098
A compact made of ivory-grained celluloid with a decorative disk glued to the lid. The disk is also plastic (perhaps celluloid) and is made to look like mother-of-pearl. The compact contains a powder puff and powder residue. It is unmarked.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A compact made of ivory-grained celluloid with a decorative disk glued to the lid. The disk is also plastic (perhaps celluloid) and is made to look like mother-of-pearl. The compact contains a powder puff and powder residue. It is unmarked.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1929
ID Number
2006.0098.1687
catalog number
2006.0098.1687
accession number
2006.0098
Pink cardboard box containing an infant's celluloid comb and brush set. Both comb and brush are imitation-ivory, with hand-painted pink and red floral designs and pink ribbons tied to the handles. Such sets were popular gifts for newborns.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Pink cardboard box containing an infant's celluloid comb and brush set. Both comb and brush are imitation-ivory, with hand-painted pink and red floral designs and pink ribbons tied to the handles. Such sets were popular gifts for newborns.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2006.0098.1492
catalog number
2006.0098.1492
accession number
2006.0098
A powder box, round, with a lid made of black and white laminated celluloid. The box is glass. An Art Moderne design, part of which is a metal shield-shaped insert, on the lid. The box is unmarked.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A powder box, round, with a lid made of black and white laminated celluloid. The box is glass. An Art Moderne design, part of which is a metal shield-shaped insert, on the lid. The box is unmarked.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1935
ID Number
2006.0098.0904
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0904

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