Men's coat pockets

[Goblin, esq.]

Does anyone know at what point pockets in the tails of a tailcoat become common? They're pretty standard during the later Victorian era, but I don't know if they were in use during the Regency.

For that matter, were inside (as in inside the left breast, usually) pockets used during the Regency? If so were they welt pockets or set into the lining/facing seam?

[erik]

I know Adrian Butterfield was asked this question many moons ago, I think her research indicated that they date as far back as the 1770's and became more common to the point that by 1795 they were more common then not.

In my own research mens evening coat examples are around 50/50 with the A&V having most of their coats having them. A good example of this is in the "Costume in detail 18 century". where some of the pockets would peek out of the coat tails.

Mens navel and non mounted uniforms all had them. In my copy of history of the dress of British soldiers (Luard, J. Lt. Col) and History of the regiments and uniforms of the British army I,II,II (Barnes, R.M. Maj) all seem to indicate that they were present since the reformation of dress act 1762.

As for front Pockets These go back even earlier, however the longer dispatches pocket came about in the mid 1700's. I know J.P. Ryan indicated that the front facing around the pockets to support the pocket were made of a felted wool cut into squares. I don't have a photo example of this, but I am sure I saw an example then I was in Bath last year.

I am not sure what literary references are from the era, though I do know from earlier our dear friend Mr. Peeps complained once his Taylor stitched his snuff pocket to tight when it was mended.

[Goblin, esq.]

May 22, 2008 17:01:18 GMT -5 erik said:

A good example of this is in the "Costume in detail 18 century". where some of the pockets would peek out of the coat tails.

I shall have to go through my copy again and pay closer attention to the pockets.

Thank you for the information (and for the titles of additional books I should track down and read).