Men's wasitcoat and jacket

[Tamzzyn]

Here are two more items that were in the box that we won at the auction. Could anyone confirm if these are authentic antique or costumes and around what age are they? Again, the box was listed as costume, but these pieces seems very authentic (except the fact that they are in such good condition).

Thanks!

Wasitcoat:


Jacket:

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Yes, authentic antique. I am stunned that you got these at an auction!

They both look to be very early 19th century, pre Victorian. Look like Empire - Regency era, maybe around 1810 to 1820. Perhaps the "vest" is even a few years earlier, 1800 to 1805. . Hard to say for sure without handling them in person or doing some more research. As menswear from this time period is fairly scarce to find, and with yours being in such well preserved condition, these are both really of great interest to collectors. It is not easy to find menswear in this very good condition.

You might want to send these to a proper auction house that specializes in antique clothing such as Karen Augusta (A VFG member), or Doyle, or other high end auction houses.

Are there more items in this "costume" box? How exciting!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Tamzzyn, I think you're right on both counts: these look like authentic antiques that have been adapted for costumes. The waistcoat may have originally been single breasted and the overlap increased (suggested by the side seams not lining up) and two rows of buttons added. The jacket looks like it could be a tail coat that was altered, with satin panels added to the lapels and the tails cut off. It could be early 20th century, depending on the construction. I can't see sufficient details but tailcoats can be hard to date. Can you tell if the hem is original? Thank you.

 

[Tamzzyn]

Yes, authentic antique. I am stunned that you got these at an auction!

They both look to be very early 19th century, pre Victorian. Look like Empire - Regency era, maybe around 1810 to 1820. Perhaps the "vest" is even a few years earlier, 1800 to 1805. . Hard to say for sure without handling them in person or doing some more research. As menswear from this time period is fairly scarce to find, and with yours being in such well preserved condition, these are both really of great interest to collectors. It is not easy to find menswear in this very good condition.

You might want to send these to a proper auction house that specializes in antique clothing such as Karen Augusta (A VFG member), or Doyle, or other high end auction houses.

Are there more items in this "costume" box? How exciting!

Thank you There are two more items in the costume box! I'm going to put them up in a separate thread now!

 

[Tamzzyn]

Tamzzyn, I think you're right on both counts: these look like authentic antiques that have been adapted for costumes. The waistcoat may have originally been single breasted and the overlap increased (suggested by the side seams not lining up) and two rows of buttons added. The jacket looks like it could be a tail coat that was altered, with satin panels added to the lapels and the tails cut off. It could be early 20th century, depending on the construction. I can't see sufficient details but tailcoats can be hard to date. Can you tell if the hem is original? Thank you.

Thank you

The jacket has a velvet collar - the satin is actually the rever of the lapel (I think - I'm so not versed with terminology lol). The jacket does have tails - here are some photos of the back and the hem of the jacket. There are pockets in the tails.



Here is another photo of the waistcoat. I tried to find evidence that buttons were previously placed anywhere on it, but I couldn't find any. There is also no evidence that there has been any additions etc to the waistcoat.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Thanks for the extra pics Tamzzyn. I still can't see what I want to see but the jacket does look earlier now, less like a cut down tuxedo and more like an early to mid 19th century jacket. The fabric looks like it might be wool crepe.

I'm a costumer by trade and have seen many, many period costumes and the construction is usually quite good as theatrical costumes have to last the distance. I do think your other jacket is early so these pieces may be too - I just can't tell without seeing/knowing more about construction and fabric. Photos are inherently limited. I'm erring on the side of authenticity though.

 

[Krestin Andrews]

A waistcoat is an easy way to update your suit by layering it under a complimentary colour such as a plain black waistcoat under a navy suit.