Remarkable waistcoat at the George Museum

This waistcoat, on display at the George Museum, is the finest example of a rare few which have survived in South Africa. It has been claimed, but not proven, that it belonged to Adrianus Gysbertus van Kervel, Landdrost of George in 1811.The style of the waistcoat was the typical of the fashion in England during this period and was worn over a shirt with a ruffled neck and under a knee-length coat. The silk brocade is embroidered with metal thread and glass sequins. Gussets at the side and back seams were inserted to enlarge the size as needed.