Help Dating Coat Fashioned for Purcell's (Jacksonville) of Forstmann Virgin Wool

Oh, my - Barbara, that coat is beautiful! I wouldn't mind one like that.

 

Thanks! It was a little eBay treasure I found during this past summer.

 

Haha, so kind! If it's any consolation, it's suffered some over the years - a few moth holes (fortunately in discreet areas) and some grazing. Still, though, it declares its presence in the world with a whole lot of panache!

 

Wow, that's a beauty! I'd take it. And the plot thickens - I was settled on late 40s, but the ad does add weight to an argument for an earlier date.

 

You know, I've often wondered about the rather inventive use of fur trim on 40s coats. Any theories as to why this is? Why such quirkiness at that particular point in time?

 

I think it's earlier in the '40s too.

Regarding the fur trim, it may be WW2 ingenuity, making the most of the scraps rather than throwing them away.

 

Yes, that makes sense, about the trim, thanks! From penury to ingenuity.

 

from what i can tell from the photos, i don't think the shoulders are padded enough to be wartime.