Three Men and a Boat – Summer 1855

1850s Men’s Boating Fashion Plate from Gentleman’s Magazine

This authentic August 1855 hand-colored fashion engraving comes from the historic British publication The Gentleman’s Magazine of Fashion, marked as Plate 1. The antique print portrays three aristocratic men gathered near a wooden river dock or canal lock, with a classic rowing boat and wooden oars featured prominently in the foreground. Beautifully illustrating mid-Victorian leisure dress codes, this rare plate documents the specific styling, luxury tailoring, and elite social etiquette required for riverside outings during the mid-19th century.

Mid-Victorian Country Leisure Attire, Tweed Sport Coats, and Rowing Etiquette

The detailed historical composition highlights a fine array of mid-century masculine garments, starring a gentleman in a rear-profile view wearing a golden-mustard yellow wool frock coat paired with finely patterned grey trousers and leather gloves. The central figure models a relaxed, dark grey micro-checkered tweed sport jacket layered over a sage green vest, tan trousers, a vibrant orange bow cravat, and a matching grey top hat. Completing the trio, the third man wears a structured black wool coat, light grey trousers, a high starched collar, and a contrasting tall grey top hat while holding a thin walking cane.