Help Dating Lace Cape

DaisyandStella

DaisyandStella

VFG Member
Hi!
I have a gorgeous light cream lace cape that i'm trying to date.
I wish it were older, but I have a feeling it's maybe from the 1960s?
The net and lace just don't feel old enough to me - they feel silky but not like antique silk.
Can someone help me with dating - also is there a term for the braided lace?

Thank you!
Brooke
 

Attachments

  • DSCF0096.jpg
    DSCF0096.jpg
    79.4 KB · Views: 226
  • DSCF0100.jpg
    DSCF0100.jpg
    89.6 KB · Views: 212
  • DSCF0104.jpg
    DSCF0104.jpg
    105.6 KB · Views: 235
  • DSCF0110.jpg
    DSCF0110.jpg
    62.5 KB · Views: 209
  • DSCF0116.jpg
    DSCF0116.jpg
    103.8 KB · Views: 241
It was probably lined at one time. The style looks 1910s-20s and its tape lace - maybe rayon? The yellowish tinge almost looks like someone tried bleaching it. The frog closure appears to be cotton. It's difficult without handling it to be sure.
 
Jonathan said:
It was probably lined at one time. The style looks 1910s-20s and its tape lace - maybe rayon? The yellowish tinge almost looks like someone tried bleaching it. The frog closure appears to be cotton. It's difficult without handling it to be sure.
Click to expand...
Thank you Jonathan. My mom who deals in antique dolls and doll clothing also couldn't quite tell. I think i'll try the local museum and see if there's a textile professional that can help.
 
I agree with Jonathan's assessment on the material and dating. Based on the photos, it looks like a rayon satin tape lace, this style is sometimes referred to as soutache lace. It could be silk, so doing a burn test on a few threads will tell that easily. Looks early 'Teens era to me.

It is really a lovely find. It would be wonderful to wear for an Edwardian wedding.
 
Rue_de_la_Paix said:
I agree with Jonathan's assessment on the material and dating. Based on the photos, it looks like a rayon satin tape lace, this style is sometimes referred to as soutache lace. It could be silk, so doing a burn test on a few threads will tell that easily. Looks early 'Teens era to me.

It is really a lovely find. It would be wonderful to wear for an Edwardian wedding.
Click to expand...
Thank you Barbara! I'll try the burn test.
 
Jonathan and Barbara - I conducted the burn test.
I tested a piece of the coiled section, the braided 'hair' like material and did find remains of a matching hued lining. All urned briefly, self extinguised and left a charred end. I've taken a pic. Based on the picture does this fall under the open lace like ash for weighted silk?

Thanks again for all your help!
Brooke
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0184.JPG
    IMG_0184.JPG
    42.6 KB · Views: 188
  • IMG_0183.JPG
    IMG_0183.JPG
    40.9 KB · Views: 156
Brooke,

The ash looks like it could be silk, but it is very hard to tell from a photo. I would have to see it and feel it and watch it burn. Actually, when you burn it, the best test is how it smells. Silk will smell just like burning hair, a pretty foul odor. Rayon will smell much like burning paper. So burn that piece again and smell the smoke and let us know what you find.
 
Rue_de_la_Paix said:
Brooke,

The ash looks like it could be silk, but it is very hard to tell from a photo. I would have to see it and feel it and watch it burn. Actually, when you burn it, the best test is how it smells. Silk will smell just like burning hair, a pretty foul odor. Rayon will smell much like burning paper. So burn that piece again and smell the smoke and let us know what you find.
Click to expand...
Okay - i burned again and also a small bit of paper and it definitely smells more like paper. You mentioned rayon satin before - I found that rayon was invented in the 1920s - 1930s. Based on that, thoughts on 1920s dating?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top