Object Search Record
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Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.4.0002 |
Object Name |
Gown, Baptismal |
Date |
1800 ca |
Description |
This fine cotton baby christening gown is entirely handmade with thin, delicate tucks and exquisitely dainty stitching. There is a small button closure on the cuff of each of the sleeves. The back is open; however, two threads indicate that there may have been two fasteners at one time. Two ribbons are attached at the front, which may have been tied around the back to close the dress. It speaks to an intriguing connection of the Shaw family, and Augustine Van Wickle's first husband, Quincy Shaw, Jr. A label in the gown reads "DAVID H. RHINELANDER". Rhinelander married Anne Davis Shaw, Quincy's daughter by his second marriage and half-sister to Marjorie Shaw Jeffries. The H in Rhinelander's name stands for Hamilton, and he was a direct descendant of founding father Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804). We were assured that the dress had belonged to several generations of the Alexander Hamilton family. Our professional conservators assessed the dress and declared it to be entirely handsewn and to date from c1800. This dress was donated by Annette Glendon, who purchased it at the estate sale of Marjorie Shaw Jeffries. |
Materials |
Cotton |
Condition |
Good |
Associated with |
Shaw, Quincy Adams Marjorie Pemberton Shaw Jeffries |
Search Terms |
Dress Baby Christening Religion |
Catalog Sub-category |
Clothing -- Outerwear |