Mystery jacket - Art Deco or Marching Girls?

[Joanne]

I have this fabulous jacket which my "op shop" (thrift store) ladies thought was a marching girls jacket, then I thought, maybe '50s? However, my mother, who was a marching girl in the '50s, says no. (1) It didn't look like a marching girls' jacket, and (2) the details on the garment were more than what one would expect on a costume. She had a point. The jacket is wool (felt), lined with satin, and has fabulous quilting on the lapels and cuffs. The detail of the appliqued cuffs and pockets is also amazing. The brand is Walter Huppert, Melbourne. I can't find any mention of this brand on the internet. So now, mother and I are thinking Art Deco, '30s??? Has anyone else seen anything like this?

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Interesting jacket Joanne: I can't decide what's happening at the top of the collar/front lapel. It almost looks like the collar was added, as you can see the top of the neckline underneath??

Any construction details you can share with us? I suspect it's a costume of some sort, so not as affected by the fashion of the day. Fabric and manufacturing techniques should tell the story.

 

[Pinkcoke]

It was perhaps to match a felt skirt - they often had similar appliques.

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

reminds me of western cowgirl boleros

 

[Robin of Frocksley]

I am no expert, but it reminds me of a 50's western style - almost rockabilly?

 

[Sky Ranch Vintage]

I also thought 50's western when I saw it.

 

[Midge]

I see a western flavour too.

 

[Linn]

Joanne, I agree with your mother. I think the jacket went over a long evening gown. I see 1930's rather than '50's; and Art Deco not Western with the satin trapunto details on the lapels and cuffs.

Linn

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

This one has me wondering. My first reaction was 40s. How I would love to see the dress that went with it.

 

[Joanne]

Thanks Everyone,
After close examination of the construction of this garment, I can report that the lining is silk (fairly confident, though haven't done a thread burn), the lining has been stitched in by hand and the sleeves and side seams of the lining are also stitched by hand (the darts are machined). There is a pleat in the back of the lining and a hanging loop at the neck. The sleeves are constructed from two pieces, the top and the bottom or under sleeve, which is a straight piece running the whole length of the underneath of the sleeve. The lapels are an extension of the facing, and the facing/lapels and the collar are all original.

 

[Joanne]

Also, the pockets are real pockets, silk like the lining.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Thank you for the additional photos: makes all the difference. Nicely made jacket from the '50s. Not sure if it would have had a matching dress, perhaps a skirt instead. It's an unusual style for the time.

I had a search for Walter Huppert. In 1944 he was advertising "real lace wedding veils" (presumably in short supply due to the war) in the Argus. His shop was at Howey Court, 203 Collins St. The building is still standing. In 1956 he was executor for an estate, for a Clara Huppert - his mother? He's listed as tailor and lives in Sandringham.

 

[Joanne]

Thanks Nicole, you're awesome! Now I just have to work out how much to sell it for!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

It's a pretty cute jacket, I think you can get a good price. Condition looks excellent too - well done!

 

[Joanne]

Yes, especially as I got it in the op shop for $5.00!