Tailor’s shears and account book pages, 1836-39

Tailor’s shears and account book pages, 1836-39

Robert Liddel or Little of Bridgewater, New Jersey used these shears as a tailor in the early 19th century. His account book pages record a typical variety of tailor’s tasks and garments including pantaloons and trousers; coats, frock coats, and “jacoats” (jackets); and greatcoats and “sirtutes” (overcoats). Account book page, 1836-1837

2: In addition to coats, pantaloons, trousers, “jacoats” (jackets), and “surtutes” (a surtoutwas an overcoat), Robert Liddel’s accounts charge his neighbors for labor (mending a fence) and for the sale of buckwheat, wheat, and hay. Many tailors in small communities had to supplement their income this way, as there might not be enough work to support themselves solely with their trade.

Shears, DAR Museum, 61.49.1; Account book and photo of miniature portraits originals c. 1810, Americana Collection; gifts of Jean Garvin Knight