In preparation for our upcoming “Mourning Col. Stephenson” exhibit in October at the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House (Edwardsville, IL), I offer the following insight regarding cuffs worn during mourning from The Workwoman’s Guide published in 1838, page 76.
[One nail = 2 1/4” ]
CUFFS
PLATE 10
FIG. 22
This is a neat cuff to lay on the dress, and is either made of plain net, of lace, or of muslin, with or without edging, and sometimes of satin ribbon. If for mourning, the net should have a broad hem. It is gathered and sewed into a band about one nail [ 2 1/4”] deep, and three or three and a half wide, according to the size of the wrist. There should be two pearl button set on one end, and buttonholes made to correspond.
PLATE 10
FIG. 26

PLATE 10
FIG. 28

PLATE 10
FIG 29
A simple plain, mourning cuff, with a brad hem above and below. The cuff to be about two nails [4.5”] deep, and three and a half or four nails [9”] long, according to the size of the wrist.
The parlor of the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson as it appears in October during the "Mourning Col Stephenson" exhibit. |