Man's coat of silk velvet, possibly made in France or Italy, 1800-1810 Man's coat of purple silk velvet with a triangular and chequered woven figured pattern. The top of the cuff and pockets and collar are covered with looped gilt braid. The coat is lined with silk quilted at chest and shoulders. The buttons are self covered and only the two on the apex of the very convex chest can be fastened. Hand-sewn. Court dress for men in the early 19th century retained many features of 18th-century dress. These included breeches, a waistcoat with short skirts, and a coat with curving back fronts. The dark, figured velvet continues a fashion in evening dress that began in the 1790s.