Clothing & Accessories

Women's Gown (cheong sam) ca. 1930

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.

Orange Pearl Button with Four Lines Extending from the Center Circle Around the Holes

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03409
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03409

Round Goldstone Button with Inset Braided Metal Circle and Outer Metal Rim

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03989
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03989

Rhinestone Button

Button with seven openwork setting rhinestonesCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
Button with seven openwork setting rhinestones
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.01516
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.01516

Faceted, Round Mirror Button

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.04068
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.04068

Yellow, Plastic Button Shaped Like a Sombrero

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03808
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03808

Darned Filet Lace Flounce

Darned filet lace flounce in 17th or 18th Century style, but probably made during 19th C. Unusual straight netting. Finished on all sides.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Darned filet lace flounce in 17th or 18th Century style, but probably made during 19th C. Unusual straight netting. Finished on all sides.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 19th century
Associated Name
Pinchot, Mary Eno
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.L6510
catalog number
L6510.000
accession number
48717
113420

Liberty Loan Pin

Round Liberty Loan pin with metal pin-back. The pin is blue with a white “V” in the center. White text reads “Liberty Loan.” A red, white, and blue plastic ribbon is attached to the pin. Blue text on the white portion reads “Volunteer.”Liberty Loans were part of the U.S.
Description (Brief)
Round Liberty Loan pin with metal pin-back. The pin is blue with a white “V” in the center. White text reads “Liberty Loan.” A red, white, and blue plastic ribbon is attached to the pin. Blue text on the white portion reads “Volunteer.”
Liberty Loans were part of the U.S. government’s effort to sell war bonds (also known as Liberty Bonds) during World War I to defray the expense of war. These bonds were issued by the U.S. Treasury. The First Liberty Bond Act was passed by Congress on April 24, 1917, and the bonds began issuance shortly thereafter.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
Treasury Department, Liberty Loan Acts (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1921). books.google.com/books?id=4qFAAAAAYAAJ.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917
maker
American Art Works
ID Number
2006.0098.0266
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0266

fashion plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1860
bequest of
James, Catalina Juliana Mason Myers
ID Number
CS.033675.018
catalog number
033675.018
accession number
70138

Metal Button with Three Leaves the in Center

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.01427
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.01427

Pearl Button with Metal Decoration in Center

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03716
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03716

Blue Marcasite Button

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.04167
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.04167

Button with Green and Gold Center and Metal Rim

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03888
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03888

Fire Helmet, "Washington / 4"

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather helmet was manufactured by Henry T. Gratacap of New York, New York in the mid 19th century. The helmet is painted red overall with its eight combs painted gold. A floral pattern is stamped into the brim of the hat, and the back brim has the date “1820” painted in black and gold. The back of the brim shows Gratacap’s maker’s stamp that reads “H.T. GRATACAP/143/Grand St. NY.” A metal eagle’s head serves as a frontpiece holder with a white leather frontpiece that reads “WASHINGTON/4/CPM.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1828
maker
Gratacap, Henry T.
ID Number
2005.0233.0198
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0198

Helmet Frontpiece, "J.T. Hallahan 5 Kingston"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This white leather frontpiece has red banners with raised white leather letters that reads “JT HALLAHAN/KINGSTON/JO.”A large recessed black number “5” is in the center of the piece.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1467
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1467

Black Glass Button with Faceted Pieces in Center and Along the Rim

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03548
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03548

Untitled (J.P. Morgan?)

Black & white print; 1/2 length portrait of a man (possibly J.P. Morgan).Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black & white print; 1/2 length portrait of a man (possibly J.P. Morgan).
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
Campbell, V. Floyd
ID Number
DL.60.3112
catalog number
60.3112
accession number
228146

Button with Shell Center with Metal Overlay and Rim

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03685
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03685

Button Depicting a Figure with Oriental Design in Background

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.01394
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.01394

Parisian Dancers. No 2-L'Horatia

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
CS.228001.1593
catalog number
228001.1593

Black Glass Button with Paisley Design

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03583
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03583

Metal Button Depicting a Water Lily and Cattails

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.01415
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.01415

Blue Shell Button with Raised Rim and Four Holes

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03301
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03301

White Paperweight Button with Red Center

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03979
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03979

Faceted, Oval Mirror Button

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.04067
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.04067

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