Help dating men's Victorian coat

TurtleRay

Registered Guest
Hello! I am looking for help dating this men's jacket: not sure if it's Victorian or Edwardian.

Back is longer than the front, and has weights sewn into the hem. Very wide lapel and collar (almost like a sailor collar). There used to be a sash attached at the back, and there are slits at the front where the sash would be tied. The gold "vest" is attached to the jacket, and is just a false front. Metal filigree buttons down the front, with white flower designs painted on them (in enamel).

Silk satin collar and vest. Not sure what the body is, looks like some kind of cotton brocade. Creme silk lining.

I am really uneducated about men's fashion history, and would appreciate any help! Thanks!
 

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Hi TurtleRay, are you sure this is a men's piece? The vest buttons up right over left in the style of a woman and the shape seems quite feminised.

If you measure the shoulders and sleeve length it will help, as men's garments tend to be much bigger in these areas than womens.

It will help if it can be displayed as it was worn (with a sash to nip in the waist) and if you can share close ups of the interior construction and filagree buttons/buttonholes but I suspect you have a ladies piece from the 1910s. I can see a long, straightish skirt worn with it.
 
Thanks for the reply!

The buttons are on the left side.

Measurements:
40 inch chest
17 inches from shoulder to shoulder
31 inch sleeve length (from back of neck to cuff)

There isn't any interior boning, or structuring. Here are a couple photos of the inside. Sorry, no photos with a sash.

It is a very feminine design, which is making it very difficult for me to research! I'm guessing maybe it was for a fancy dress party or dance? Some sort of social engagement?
 

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Thanks for the reply!

The buttons are on the left side.

Which is the correct side for a woman's garment: it buttons right over left. Men's garments traditionally button left over right, with the buttons on the right. If you look at jackets you have, or try googling for images you'll see what I mean.

Thanks for the additional pics! Impressively shreaded lining.
 
I agree with Nicole - you have a ladies 1910s jacket there that had a sash attached at the side backs where the remains are, went though the slots, and fastened over the vestee. And it most likely did have a matching or coordinating skirt. Pretty piece.
 
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