Featured Possible I actually found revolutionary war era pants?

I guess this style was probably pretty prevalent for a long time. I know there’s likely no way to pinpoint them to Rev War as they sit. Is it possible they are actually of that era though, technically speaking? They look pretty right to me. Found in a killer catch all collection that featured a lot of old textiles. Pulled out a very early 1800’s sampler from the same pile and a bunch of other early stuff. My eyes lit up when I saw these pants though. Buttons seem right for what I find when I’m metal detecting colonial era locations. What say y’all? They seem like they were made for wearin not for reenactin.

 

Can't see well in photos but I doubt those buttons are earlier than 20th century

Amish?

 

Can you show us a wider sampling of what else was in the bag.

Debora

 

Massive boxes of stuff. I didn’t buy it all, just a handful. The jacket in my other recent textile forum post is one example. A wide range of things though.

 

A look at the backside of those buttons, showing how they were fastened to the garment, would be instructive.

 

They do look hand-stitched, but Revolution-era menswear pants (the outerwear sort) were knee-length. IIRC long pants for men didn't become standard until about 1810-ish.

 

I didn’t post photos of that just because I assumed some or all of the buttons were replaced. It’s a mix and match selection of buttons. Since some or all aren’t original I wanted to focus on the garment itself. I’ll get some photos though and post them.

 

That did occur to me but I wasn’t positive if it was an absolute rule or not. Good call!

 

The fabric looks like linen and not tightly woven. So, either Summer gear, homespun, or both.

 

I'm guessing...but sewing machines weren't common, if available at all, if those breeches were made circa 1776. So all the stitching would necessarily be by hand; the presence of machine stitches (unless much later, as repairs?) would be a clue as to an approximate not-made-before date. Is that a reasonable assumption?

 

Are the button holes hand-stitched? Is the waist adjustable at back? Is anything written on the tag?

Debora

 

https://millmuseum.org/sewing-revolution/

Machines didn't exist until the 1850s and I don't think were in household use in the USA until the 1870s or 1880s in any real numbers.

 

Inside photos of seam finishes and construction details may be helpful.

 

try em on !!!