1810
Jacket (Spencer)
Pink silk bodice (called a Spencer) with long net sleeves, extending just to under bust; scoop neckline in front and square neckline in back. Drawstring neck and waistline; 3 rows piped satin trim wrist. Good condition; very fragile. In this period named a “Spencer,” worn over one of the sheer empire dresses of the period.
The Spencer was named after George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758-1834). The folk mythology says alternately that his tails were burnt in a fire and also that they were ripped off while on a hunt. In either case the very brief jacket of the tailcoat became a fashion following Lord Spencer in the 1790s. The British military branded it “mess dress” and is the origin of the “mess jacket.” today. Between 1790 and 1820 in what is termed the Regency period in Great Britain (for the Prince Regent who ruled while his father George III was deemed incapable), women began to wear their version of the Spencer jacket as a short outer bodice over their high waisted gowns. Called simply a “Spencer” when it is a garment worn by women.
Provenance:
Diesel, Mrs. Thomas Storrs, CT.
Construction Label:
Handmade
1959C 1810.3
Pink silk bodice (called a Spencer) with long net sleeves, extending just to under bust; scoop neckline in front and square neckline in back. Drawstring neck and waistline; 3 rows piped satin trim wrist. Good condition; very fragile. In this period named a “Spencer,” worn over one of the sheer empire dresses of the period.
The Spencer was named after George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758-1834). The folk mythology says alternately that his tails were burnt in a fire and also that they were ripped off while on a hunt. In either case the very brief jacket of the tailcoat became a fashion following Lord Spencer in the 1790s. The British military branded it “mess dress” and is the origin of the “mess jacket.” today. Between 1790 and 1820 in what is termed the Regency period in Great Britain (for the Prince Regent who ruled while his father George III was deemed incapable), women began to wear their version of the Spencer jacket as a short outer bodice over their high waisted gowns. Called simply a “Spencer” when it is a garment worn by women.
Provenance:
Diesel, Mrs. Thomas Storrs, CT.
Construction Label:
Handmade
1959C 1810.3