Jeremy.. I answered this for you on Cwr also...
http://thesewingacademy.org/index.php?topic=412.0

Thank you. The link was a big help.

Mr. Trent:

That style of adjustment is present on very early waistcoats, as far back as the 1812 era. While nothing surprises me, and is conceiveably be from the late 1850's, that style was petty much in its heyday in the late 1830's and early 1840's.

Below are original vests from the period of the 19th century from 1820 on, and as you can see, there is a good variety of adjustments on the back.
Below are three vests from the 1820's 30's period.



This one has a great ink ID inside.



This is a later style, from the 1840's period, which has 2 pairs of ties. This came with a full wedding suit, which included necktie, pants and false bid shirt.



This is a clearly late 1850's style that was altered during the period. In addition to the adjustment belt, a set of ties were added to draw in the chest, harkening back to the 1840's style above.

 

--Last edited by Histcloth on 2007-11-26 06:22:25 --