Description: This dark green silk cut-velvet coat, worn with a lace trimmed cravat or jabot, is richly embroidered with metal thread, sequins and glass-work. The cream silk waistcoat beneath is also embroidered with metal thread, sequins and glass.
Velvet was a luxury cloth, complex and costly to produce; and all the rage for menswear in the 18th century. One gentleman bought a velvet suit from Paris for £27, 10 shillings, with an extra £2, 5 shillings for “landing them duty-free”.