This coat is an example of men’s formal daywear of about 1850. The sleeves are long and tight, the collar is wide and the front opens very deep in order to show off the waistcoat. Although at this date the frock-coat is gaining popularity as formal daywear, the cut-away coat is still worn. This coat is reputed to have been worn by William Pierson Johnes, a linen merchant of New York City.Woollen coat and coat lining. Blue-black woollen coat with a silk velvet collar. Double breasted and with four buttons. Cut away with slightly oblique tails and an 'M' notch at the lapel. The shoulders are smoothly set in and there are four buttons and buttonholes at the wrist. There are flaps for mock pockets set at the waist seam, an inside left breast pocket and a large pocket in the lining of the tail. The coat is self-lined with quilting inside each forepart and there are the remains of quilted silk lining on the sides of the back. The buttons are cloth covered with a raised square pattern.Man's woollen coat and coat lining, United States, 1845-1853