Created by
Haas, John G., American
Worn by
Alexander, John Hanks, American, 1864 - 1894
Subject of
9th Cavalry Regiment, American, founded 1866
Date
ca. 1890
Medium
wool, cotton, linen, and silk with metal buttons
Dimensions
H x W (flat): 38 1/2 × 14 in. (97.8 × 35.6 cm)
Inseam: 24 in. (61 cm)
H x W x D (On Form with Jacket): 58 x 23 x 12 in. (147.3 x 58.4 x 30.5 cm)
Description
A pair of navy blue wool riding pantaloons worn by John Hanks Alexander of the 9th US Cavalry. The tapered pants are made from a dark navy wool gabardine that has been fulled on the reverse to create a soft self-lining. The trousers fasten at the center front waist with four (4) metal buttons, one (1) additional tab and button at the top, and one (1) large metal hook-and-eye, all hidden from the facing side by an additional placket. The waist band has a black half-silk satin gore at the center back for an adjustable fit, closing with a self-fabric tab and metal buckle. Six (6) round metal buttons marked "J. G. HAAS / CARLISLE PA" on the facing side are sewn around the waist band for attaching suspenders. There are two (2) welted pockets, one at each front side waist, with the welt shaped into a point and closing with one (1) button at the point. There is one (1) welted pocket for a watch at the proper right front side. One (1) inset pocket is sewn at the proper right back. The pocket linings are made from heavy cotton canvas, except the watch pocket which is lined with linen twill. Inscribed in black ink on the watch pocket lining is illegible text with heavy strikethrough lines followed by "W. 26 1/2 / Jno. Alexander / U.S.A.". The waist band is lined in a linen twill with thin blue stripes. Linen lining material is sewn below the interior waist band for further reinforcement, with one (1) metal button sewn at the interior proper left front. The legs have slit cuffs that close with three (3) metal buttons, with the placket lined in black half-silk satin. A bright yellow 1 1/2-inch wide stripe of wool broadcloth is sewn on the outer side of each leg from below the waist band to above the slit of the cuff.
Classification
Clothing - Military Uniforms
Type
pantaloons
military uniforms
Topic
Buffalo Soldiers
Clothing and dress
Military
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Family of Frances Sampson Mask
Object number
2012.34.1.3
Restrictions & Rights
Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd56cab55c6-5e5b-43f0-8b26-c5edd90b09a2

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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