Size 8-18 Sleeveless Spencer or Vest c. 1798-1800

This pattern is made after an extant spencer in the collection of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution Museum in Washington DC. It has a masculine cut with strips of metal braid imitating trim on officer’s uniforms contrasting with the changeable silk of the original garment although cottons and linens also work well for the spencer. Sleeveless spencers were very popular from 1790s to the early years of the 19th century. In The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London of 1806, in a theft trial a team of four thieves “was indicted for feloniously stealing” among other items “one velvet spencer trimmed with lace, value 2 l.”.