Aquascutum Cape

[RuthM]

I have an Aquascutum Aqua 5 reversible cape and can't find anything about it online! I've taken photos of all the labels. I'd greatly appreciate if anyone can help identify the item?

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

Hi! Please do add the photos of all the labels!

 

[RuthM]

As requested

 

[GemGem]

I’m thinking late 70’s-80’s, leaning early 80’s. Let’s see what others say

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

My initial impression is the 1970s.

 

[GemGem]

Ooohhh I found an extensive guide on dating by care label…. Not sure if I can directly post a link but it’s on the collectors companion.
Wondering if anyone knows if it is a reliable source? If so this cape would date to post 1986 due to there not being a number on the wash symbol.

would be great if one of the experts could check the site!

 

[retro ruth]

Ooohhh I found an extensive guide on dating by care label…. Not sure if I can directly post a link but it’s on the collectors companion.
Wondering if anyone knows if it is a reliable source? If so this cape would date to post 1986 due to there not being a number on the wash symbol.

would be great if one of the experts could check the site!

I doubt that this is set in stone. I was thinking the cape is likely no later than mid-80s, because it doesn't have a drying symbol. I've read that four symbols and no drying, rather than five with drying, is a sign of 'no later than mid-eighties', but I expect that is also not set in stone.

Besides, when the Wash Symbol is Do Not Wash, it wouldn't have a number anyway.

I think it's fine to link the guide, I'd like to see it.

 

[GemGem]

I doubt that this is set in stone. I was thinking the cape is likely no later than mid-80s, because it doesn't have a drying symbol. I've read that four symbols and no drying, rather than five with drying, is a sign of 'no later than mid-eighties', but I expect that is also not set in stone.

Besides, when the Wash Symbol is Do Not Wash, it wouldn't have a number anyway.

I think it's fine to link the guide, I'd like to see it.

sure thing, you have to scroll a little
https://www.thecollectorscompanion.co.uk/features/vintage-clothing/dating-with-care/

 

[retro ruth]

sure thing, you have to scroll a little
https://www.thecollectorscompanion.co.uk/features/vintage-clothing/dating-with-care/

I’ve just skimmed it but that looks like an extraordinary guide! Seems well researched. I did see one error, that the author has confused the ‘dry flat’ symbol with ‘line dry’. But I expect to explore this article more thoroughly at some point.

I think there will always be exceptions to these kind of rules. Symbols sometimes come into use before they become official or mandated. And definitely older symbols or labels get used long after new ones have been introduced. I know we have some information about Ginetex symbols on these forums and it would be interesting to compare that with this guide.

Back to this cape. That guide suggests that the Do Not Wash symbol began in 1976. It also lacks any drying symbol, which suggests that it’s mid-late 70s to early 80s, which seems in keeping with the style.