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.

Screwdriver

Small, flat head screwdriver, red plastic handle with the name Kobalt on its side. Kobalt is a house brand sold exclusively at the American home improvement store Lowe's.
Description
Small, flat head screwdriver, red plastic handle with the name Kobalt on its side. Kobalt is a house brand sold exclusively at the American home improvement store Lowe's. The screwdriver was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.22
catalog number
2005.0276.22
accession number
2005.0276

Brown and Cream Pearl Button with Carved Floral Design

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03297
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03297

Black Glass Button Decorated with Clovers, Squares, and Faceted Pieces

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03522
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03522

Round Button with Four Point Design in Center and Marcasite Rim

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.04172
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.04172

Round, Metal Button Studded with Blue Marcasite

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.04144
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.04144

Button Depicting the Profile of a King

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03769
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03769

Helmet Frontpiece, “Engineer Charlestown WFD”

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 leather frontpiece was made in the 19th century. The white leather frontpiece has decorative etching radiating from a black star in the center of the piece. Two red banners have raised white leather lettering that reads “ENGINEER/CHARLESTOWN.” A black cartouche at the bottom of the piece has the raised white leather initials “WFD” inside.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1480
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1480

Always Victorious Stand Behind Old Glory Pin

Always Victorious; Stand Behind Old Glory.
Description (Brief)
Always Victorious; Stand Behind Old Glory. Clip-on pin shaped like a red, white, and blue bowtie.
“Let’s Stand Behind ‘Old Glory’” was a popular song during World War I that was written by Branch Cowell.
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:
Library of Congress: loc.gov/item/2013562553.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-1919
ID Number
2006.0098.0315
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0315

Black Faceted Button with Places for Five Rhinestones, Four Remaining

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03915
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03915

Pearl Button with Brown Center, Silver Rim, and Carved Floral Design

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03383
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03383

Round, Faceted Amethyst Glass Button with Metal Center Shank

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.04107
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.04107

Garment Production Specification Papers

These are cutting and sewing instructions for the overseas manufacturing of a dress sold under the “Hot Kiss” label. The instructions date from June 27, 2002 and describe a dress with style number 126-5462 made in Hong Kong.
Description
These are cutting and sewing instructions for the overseas manufacturing of a dress sold under the “Hot Kiss” label. The instructions date from June 27, 2002 and describe a dress with style number 126-5462 made in Hong Kong. The paper gives explicit instructions about how to stitch the seams, where the ruffles should go, and how much cloth should be used for each size of dress. During the 1980s, more and more brands and labels operated factories abroad to manufacture their wares with cheaper labor. This made it necessary to create guidelines and instructions for the overseas workers such as this ticket.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1999 - 2002
1999-2002
maker
Hot Kiss, Inc.
ID Number
2014.3041.04.09
accession number
2014.3041
catalog number
2014.3041.04.09

Square Button Featuring Five Rhinestones

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03912
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03912

Square Button Featuring Nine Rhinestones

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03913
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03913

Metal and Shell Button Depicting a Heart Shaped Lock

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.01459
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.01459

Buckskin coat

Physical DescriptionDouble-breasted buckskin coat, with fringe on the pockets and collar and along the sleeves.Specific HistoryThis buckskin coat was worn by Custer when he was a lieutenant colonel with the 7th U.S. Cavalry in the Dakotas.
Description
Physical Description
Double-breasted buckskin coat, with fringe on the pockets and collar and along the sleeves.
Specific History
This buckskin coat was worn by Custer when he was a lieutenant colonel with the 7th U.S. Cavalry in the Dakotas. It was one of several owned and worn by Custer, who preferred to dress like a frontiersman while out West.
In 1912, Custer's widow, Elizabeth, donated this buckskin coat to the Smithsonian as a tribute to her husband.
General History
George Armstrong Custer was born in 1839 in New Rumley, Ohio; by 1857, he was enrolled as a cadet in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point upon appointment by a congressman. He graduated last in his class of thirty-four. During the Civil War, he became known for his fearlessness (some said recklessness) in battle; indeed, he was promoted to the rank of Major General by age twenty-five. He figured prominently in General Philip Sheridan's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley in 1864; at the surrender at Appomattox in April 1865, Sheridan gave Custer's wife Elizabeth the table on which the surrender was signed.
After the war, George Custer reverted to the rank of captain. He was given command of the newly formed Seventh Cavalry in 1866 and elevated to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He gained a reputation as an Indian fighter who often ignored orders if they did not suit his sense of self-aggrandizement. His recklessness finally caught up to him on June 25, 1876, when he and his five cavalry companies were annihilated by a combined force of thousands of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors at Little Big Horn, Montana.
In 1864, George Custer married Elizabeth (Libby) Bacon. Libby followed her husband on campaign during the Civil War, and even went with him to the frontier. After his death, she crusaded to perpetuate the image of her husband as a gallant soldier; to this end, she undertook speaking engagements and wrote several books.
In 1912, she donated this coat to the Smithsonian in memory of her husband.
date made
ca 1870
wearer
Custer, George Armstrong
ID Number
AF.013044
catalog number
13044
accession number
54045

Aqua Button with Fan Design Outlined in Gold

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.01675
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.01675

dress with matching belted raincoat

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1958
maker
Leser, Tina
ID Number
2011.0229.06
catalog number
2011.0029.06
accession number
2011.0029

Paperweight Button with Stripes of Multiple Colors

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03950
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03950

Remodeled Collar from Early 18th Century Needle Lace

This Gros Point de Venise needle lace has been remodeled into collar. The elaborate three-dimensional floral motifs and scrolls are edged with a woven braid at the neck edge and a narrow bobbin lace edging at the outside edge.
Description (Brief)
This Gros Point de Venise needle lace has been remodeled into collar. The elaborate three-dimensional floral motifs and scrolls are edged with a woven braid at the neck edge and a narrow bobbin lace edging at the outside edge. The original early 18th century lace has been pieced together and repaired from good quality needle lace. The repairs are crude, and made with a different color thread, but create a nice overall effect. This is one of many laces Mrs. Pinchot collected for the Smithsonian to show samples of various types of lace.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Early 18th century
Associated Name
Pinchot, Mary Eno
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.L6507
catalog number
L6507

Rhinestone Button

Rhinestone prong setting surrounding a red glass center. Open setting rhinestone set on top of red glass.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Rhinestone prong setting surrounding a red glass center. Open setting rhinestone set on top of red glass.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.01512
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.01512

Scarf, worn by Ella Fitzgerald

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
user
Fitzgerald, Ella
ID Number
1996.0342.020
accession number
1996.0342
catalog number
1996.0342.020

Morning Dress

Date made
1823-01
ID Number
CS.228001.0277
catalog number
228001.0277

Rhinestone Button

Clear faceted rhinestones and black metal pieces mounted on an open work metal backing.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Clear faceted rhinestones and black metal pieces mounted on an open work metal backing.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.01504
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.01504

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