Dating fur items..?

[Vmode]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone has any tips on dating fur stoles/collars, or can recommend any reference guides? I have a number of pieces (no detailed images right now) that I believe to be from the Edwardian era up to the 40s-50s. At the mo I'm going on the lining fabric/construction, and any attachments or fastenings such as cording...

A.

 

[furwise]

Hi A.,

Fur stoles and collars can be dated by style, technique, lining fabric, and condition.

Condition is only sometimes relevant in determing age because if a fur is properly cared for the condition can remain excellent and outlive it's owner.

The pelts on antique furs though that have not been cold stored are harder or have a stiff feeling and the fur sometimes feels dry. This cannot alone be used to determine age because a newer fur not cared for properly may feel dry too.

Older fox stoles sometimes have tails and collars have heads and feet. Those who could not afford full coats proudly wore these around boasting that they had animal fur on which was considered to be for the wealthy. Stoles and collars were also worn whether did not permit full coats.

Antique fur capes were also very popular.

Antique fur collars and stoles were often lined with velvet or silk.

You can view online and even purchase antique fur articles too that show the various styles worn during various eras. Being I am not a member I cannot provide a link of anything for sale.

If you decide to take photos and post them perhaps I and/or others will be able to help you date what you have if you would like additional assistance.

Caryn

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

VFG Fur Resource

This is our fur resource link, you can click on the type of fur and it will show you some examples, this might be of some help to you.

 

[Vmode]

Ok! I have some- poorly lit- photos, they came from a lot in which the majority were kind of mid-century, but one or two looked earlier..

Dark fur stole, good outer condition but with some damage and old mends to the lining, which is silk and with sweet box pleats to the neck edge. It has a slit button hole and the lovely button pictured second.

Dark fur stole made up of small pelts roughly 20cm long, that have a mottled colour. Small hook fastening, with chain knotted cord

Wrap made up of 3 pelts, lined with silk crepe and attached to one another with a thick covered elastic. Heads, tails, and feet attached, and fastening with the hook and chain-knotted cord

Deep slightly auburn fur stole with head, feet, and tail, a little 'crunchy' to the touch but otherwise great condition and quality.. check out the box pleated neck edging again, and sweet ruffling and rosettes to the lining (silk). Fastening with a large clip.

Lastly, dark shiny brown wide collar/small stole, with crepey lining that has little bows to each end. Thick elasticated loop to one end, but no button

What are people's thoughts? Anyone know around what eras the cording fasteners were popular? I'm thinking the piece with the lovely button is pre-30s..?

Ava

 

[Vmode]

Wups, the auburny piece looks like this!

 

[furwise]

Hi, Based on the materials used and the condition I can tell that they are definitely old but I cannot tell the how old. Perhaps someone else can predict age from the materials used.

Caryn