Non-regulation waistcoat

Waistcoat worn by Nelson (1758-1805) at Trafalgar. The waistcoat is a non-regulation garment of white cotton marcella, woven in a diaper pattern. It is double-breasted with seven self covered buttons on either side. There are also very narrow pockets on both sides. The waistcoat features a stand-up collar with the revers folded back. Both the revers and collar are lined with marcella, while the rest of the waistcoat is lined with white linen. The back of the waistcoat is white flannel and features four linen tying tapes to adjust the fit. The left shoulder is heavily blood-stained. Nelson is recorded as having habitually worn a marcella waistcoat in undress.

Object Details

ID: UNI0065
Collection: Uniforms
Type: Waistcoat
Display location: Display - Nelson, Navy, Nation Gallery
Creator: Unknown
Events: Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Trafalgar, 1805
Date made: circa 1805
Exhibition: Seduction and Celebrity: The Spectacular Life of Emma Hamilton
People: Nelson, Horatio; Prince Albert, Consort of Queen Victoria Greenwich Hospital
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Greenwich Hospital Collection
Measurements: Overall: 559 mm