Summary

Alternative Name(s): Vest

Off-white waistcoat that once belonged to William Henry Blakeley. His name is stamped inside the neckline. It is likely to date to the mid to late 19th century, although men's clothing of this period can be hard to date precisely and was often worn for many years.

Part of a collection of and other material relating to the life of William Henry Blakeley and the Blakeley family donated to Museum Victoria. William Blakeley was the first saw manufacturer in Australia. He was born in England in 1839 and was indentured as a saw maker. In 1867 he set up his own saw shop in Little Bourke Street - soon to become a successful manufacturing business, W.H. Blakeley and Co (which became W.H. and Company Proprietary Limited in 1922), with several locations in inner Melbourne. The Blakeley business has continued into the 21st century. The donor and her sisters are the daughters of William and Annie's son William Gillott Blakeley and his wife Ada Henrietta.

Physical Description

Plain off-white waistcoat with small round-cornered lapels and five buttons. One pocket on the right side and two - one above the other - on the left. Edges trimmed with tape. Belted at back, originally secured at centre with a button. The original owner's name has been stamped twice on the inside of the collar. Foxing on back at shoulder and on belt.

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