Formal Livery of a Lackey of the Counts of Thurn-Valsassina

In the 2nd half of the 19th century, the nobility clothed its servants in livery, which was usually decorated with the coat of arms of the family concerned. A keen observer could immediately recognise from the livery whose servant it was. The livery shown here, that of a lackey of the Counts of Thurn-Valsassina, consists of a jacket of white cloth with turned-up cuffs and pocket flaps of red plush, decorated with trimming into which the family coat of arms has been woven. On the left shoulder is a woven épaulette with a silver festoon. The jacket was worn with a waistcoat and knee-breeches of red plush with silver trimming as well as black patent-leather shoes with a silver-plated buckle. (MKR)