Two Pocket or Four pocket vests??

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Hi,

Just a question from this avowed 'thread-counter'...

Were four pocket vest vs two pocket vests just;

A fad?

Was the four pockets the sign of a diligent tailor?

Or?

Inquiring minds want to know ......

[Books OToole]

As a rule of thumb:

2-pocket vests - pre-U.S. Civil War

3-pocket vests - 1860s

4- pocket vests - post U.S. Civil War

Pre-Civil War, lapels wrap around as collars.
Post-Civil War. lapels stop at (sewn into) the shoulder seam.

I'm pretty sure that doesn't answer your question, but...

You can still find two and four pocket vests but not three pocket vests.
Stlye? Fad? Practicallity?

Books

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Thenks Books,

It is nice to know ... I TRY to buy my clothing so that it will pass both my reenacting (1850-sh) and the SASS/NCOWS timetable (1880s)...

And although upper vest pockets are seldom seem (i.e., usually under a Frock Coat), it does help ma plan around the date I am to be addressing ...

[santee]

Incidentally, here are photos of 1880's-1890's 3 pocket vests with full collars.
http://pinterest.com/pin/95771929548096638/
http://pinterest.com/pin/224828206369099682/

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Santee,

Thanks ... I like the collars on all three ...

TTFN,

[santee]

Nice, eh?

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Santee,

Yes, nice ... I have an 18 1/2" neck and liker anything that takes attention away from that ... *S* ... I even have a shawl collar on my tux ...

TTFN,