Heavily Beaded SkullCap - Help Dating / Era? Flapper Style

[DaisyandStella]

Hi all,
I purchased a heavily beaded fringe skullcap that was marked as 1920s, however, because it's in mint condition I wanted to research the authenticity. I reached out to the Mad Hatters Society already but wanted to see if there was a collective agreement on era here as well. The cap is lined with net only and has a seam running lengthwise. There are no labels / tags or other markings. The consensus from the MHS was that the cap is more likely from the 1970s due to the impeccable condition, no silk lining and no oxidation of the beads. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Pinkcoke]

On your last photo some of the beads appear to be A/B coated - a process that was not in use until the 1950's.

 

[DaisyandStella]

On your last photo some of the beads appear to be A/B coated - a process that was not in use until the 1950's.

Thank you Melanie! Can you tell me what A/B coated means? Much appreciated!

 

[Pinkcoke]

To quote one of our members, Linn, from her jewellery workshop (which is where I first learnt this btw ):

If the piece you are looking at has aurora borealis stones, you'll know that it is not earlier than the mid-'50's. Aurora borealis or "AB" stones have a vacuum coating which reflects the light in a way that appears to make the colors change.

You can see the effect she speaks of on the dangly earrings pictured in the first post of this thread:http://forums.vintagefashionguild.org/threads/vintage-jewelry-workshop-part-i.35650/

I see you've edited the first post now -I think the matte silver beads are quite a modern trend - It wouldn't suprise me to learn that this was a modern reproduction piece. 1920's style, but definitely not original 1920's. Personally, I think it's newer than 70's. I would expect very shiny silver or gold beads for the 70's, not this demure silvery look.

 

[pastperfect2]

I am sorry to say this may be even more recent and currently available:

http://www.revival-retro.com/farrow-mia-1920s-hair-hat

 

[DaisyandStella]

I am sorry to say this may be even more recent and currently available:

http://www.revival-retro.com/farrow-mia-1920s-hair-hat

Thank you very much Hollis - and what a bummer! That looks pretty identical to what I have. I should have known better to purchase as alarms did go off but I decided to ignore them at the time. It's still a great piece, but not nearly as special now. Brooke

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Hi,

Late to the thread, but I want to add that yes, it is a new reproduction. It is quite infuriating to me as I have seen dozens of these exact same items offered for sale as genuine antique Flapper hats or head pieces on Etsy, Ebay and other sites. I also see them sold by street vendors. If I were you I would contact the seller and get a refund. If it was purchased in a shop, go back and talk to the shop owner. If you need a price reference, tell them that these can be purchased wholesale in lots of 6 or more, for about $12.00 each, in a variety of colors.

While the online group you mentioned was correct in saying it was not vintage, I would like to add that the beaded fringed skullcaps from the 1920s would not always have had a silk lining (many had no lining at all), most of the ones I have seen have no oxidation or discoloration of the beads, and the condition can be excellent to very good. It is the construction, the way the beads hang, and overall look of your piece that instantly rings the bell of "reproduction".

I just get so mad at these sellers!

If you paid a lot of money, my suggestion is to ask for a refund. Or keep it and wear it and be beautiful, as it is pretty.

Best, B

 

[DaisyandStella]

Hi,

Late to the thread, but I want to add that yes, it is a new reproduction. It is quite infuriating to me as I have seen dozens of these exact same items offered for sale as genuine antique Flapper hats or head pieces on Etsy, Ebay and other sites. I also see them sold by street vendors. If I were you I would contact the seller and get a refund. If it was purchased in a shop, go back and talk to the shop owner. If you need a price reference, tell them that these can be purchased wholesale in lots of 6 or more, for about $12.00 each, in a variety of colors.

While the online group you mentioned was correct in saying it was not vintage, I would like to add that the beaded fringed skullcaps from the 1920s would not always have had a silk lining (many had no lining at all), most of the ones I have seen have no oxidation or discoloration of the beads, and the condition can be excellent to very good. It is the construction, the way the beads hang, and overall look of your piece that instantly rings the bell of "reproduction".

I just get so mad at these sellers!

If you paid a lot of money, my suggestion is to ask for a refund. Or keep it and wear it and be beautiful, as it is pretty.

Best, B

Thanks Barbara! I bought the piece in MN (live in Madison) but may try to reach out. Unfortunately it was found in an antique mall and so am thinking i may just have to learn my lesson and eat the price on this one.