Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1432:
Description
This is another rarity of American penal history, an early 20th-century convict uniform, likely dating from the 1900s to 1920s, before the widespread shift away from stripes. The “zebra suit” was designed to be instantly recognizable, marking the wearer and discouraging escape. This is two-piece uniform set, with a shirt and pants. They are constructed from coarsely woven heavy cotton in the iconic alternating black and white horizontal stripes. The shirt is closed by nine (9) black buttons, and the pants use a simple draw string closure. The condition is visibly authentic and well-worn, with numerous small tears, and scattered staining consistent with institutional use and age. There is fraying and a tear in the crotch area, and the original color has faded. Jacket: Shoulder to shoulder W 17.5, L 27” Pants: W 13” L 39″
From Donley’s Wild West Town Museum
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