Dating and fabric help for a men's vest

[Villa]

Isn't this a neat little number? I don't know anything about menswear, so I have no idea on this piece, including what it is called, what it is worn for or what the era is. All I can tell is that it is pretty old and that is just from handeling it, not from recognizing the style. What is this type of fabric called with the velvet stripes? And what do you think the buttons are? Do they make them out of, or to look like, tiger's eye?

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

I agree that it's quite old but I need more information to tell how old - Edwardian or earlier, I'm thinking.

The fabric looks like a cut velvet, with a thick cotton base, and most of the velvet has worn away (which also indicates how old it is). The buttons could be glass: do they feel cold and crisp like glass? I usually tap them against my teeth (gently) as glass has a distinctive feel.

 

[Pinkcoke]

I agree it looks like it has some considerable age and is nicely made. I think the buttons look like they could be some sort of polished natural stone or gemstone.

I think the key to dating this might lie in someone recognising that fabric and when it was used.