Costume, Performance

Object number2009.98.1 a-o

Datec. 1940

OriginNew York, NY

MediumCotton; satin; various metals; elastic; horse hair; plastic

Credit LineGift of Barbara Peake Shever

DescriptionMen's costume, consisting of coat, pants, vest, bowtie, ascot, suspenders, top hat, and wig.DimensionsAll objects measured flat.
(a) Height: 49.25 ; Width at Shoulders: 24 ; Length of tails: 29.125
(b) H: 46 ; W at waist: 20.5
(c) H: 22.25; W: 20
(d) W: 3.325 ; L: 16.5 ; Depth: 1
(e) H: 19 ; W: 11.75
(f) W end to end: 5 ; W of strap: .875 ; L: 32.5
(g) H: 7 ; W: 10.25 ; L: 12.5
(h) W: 13 ; L:12
(i) W: 7.5 ; L: 14.25
(j) W: 3.125 ; L: 9.5
(k) W: 2.5 ; L: 12.125
(l) W" 3.5 ; L: 8
(m) W: 3 ; L: 7.5
(n) W: 3.25 ; L: 7.5
(o) W: 3 ; L: 9.25
Inscriptions(b)
Handwritten in waistline, "Peake / 216".
Cloth label with text "Brooks / COSTUME COMPANY / 1150 SIXTH AVE. NEW YORK".

(e)
Label attached to backside: "Brooks / COSTUME COMPANY / 1150 SIXTH AVE. NEW YORK".

(f)
Engravings on back of clasps.

(g)
On lining: gold stamp and possible square sticker.
Historical Notes"Uncle Sam" costume worn by donor's father-in-law, John Peake, to promote the purchase of WWII bonds and his window decorating business. Acme Window Shade and Venetian Blind Company is still located on Hamilton Avenue in East Liberty. A born promoter, Peake had the outfit made for him by Brooks Costume Company in New York City.Label TextPeake had this costume made for him by Brooks Costume Company of New York, one of the most renowned costume companies in America. A born promoter, he wore the outfit to encourage the purchase of WWII bonds and to advertise for his window decorating business—Acme Window Shade and Venetian Blind Company. The company is still in business today in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood.

Previous owner John Peake

Related institution Acme Window Shade and Venetian Blind Company (founded 1929)

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