Breeches

Object number2017.86.1 a,b

Datec. 1775

OriginOhio

MediumDeer hide; Metal; Fabric

Credit LineMuseum Purchase with funds from The Fort Pitt Museum Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation

DescriptionLeather breeches made of deer hide.DimensionsLength x Width (a): 29.5 × 17 in. (74.9 × 43.2 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (b): 1.5 × 1.125 × 0.5 in. (3.8 × 2.9 × 1.3 cm)
Historical NotesThese leather breeches represent a key element of the early economic development of Pittsburgh, that of the deer hide and fur trades, which constituted the region's first major industry. In addition to supplying upwards of 150,000 deerskins annually to leather dressers in Philadelphia and London, Fort Pitt was also home to craftsman Casper Reel, who made, meneded, and washed leather breeches for soldiers, fur traders, and artisans in 18th-century Pittsburgh.

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