Although by the late 19^th Century men’s waistcoats had become more sombre in appearance than their mid century counterparts they still presented an opportunity for the use of embroidery and handwork as decoration. The fronts of this maroon waistcoat are embroidered allover with an overlapping scale design in chenille thread on a canvas ground. The chenille catches the light providing depth and interest. Bordered with matching wool, the waistcoat is lined in striped cream silk like many contemporary examples. The maroon satin back has a strap fastened with a brass buckle stamped ‘Poole Savile Row W’; Henry Poole & Co. was one of the pre-eminent tailors of Savile Row with a royal and international clientele.