Navy blue coat - 1940s?

Johanna

Johanna

Registered Guest
Hi everyone! Happy New Year!

This time I come to you seeking information on a coat that I have just bought. I will keep the written section brief, as the photos will speak a thousand words (sorry about the creases - it has been folded up in the post for a week!)
I will just say that it is a gorgeous coat; the hanger doesn't do it any justice as it hangs beautifully when on. It is mid-calf in length, fitted round the waist and flairs over the hips, and is pleated from the waist down at the back. It has a rounded collar, chunky cuff turn-ups, buttons all the way up to the throat, and is fully lined in the softest purple satin. There is only one lable: "Salon Bella" Gowns, 278 Post St. San Francisco.
There is no clue as to what material it is made from, but it is surprisingly heavy. There are also no care instructions.
Thanks in advance for any info!

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It looks like gabardine to me, and that styling with the shapeless body and dropped waist first shows up in late 1954, which is when I think the coat is from - 54-55ish
 
I agree with Jonathan as to wool gaberdine and a '50s date: it's a lovely coat, I like the turned back cuffs and the centre back waist detailing.

If you do the collar up and take a photo, it will be easier to see how it's meant to be worn.
 
CircaVintageClothing said:
I agree with Jonathan as to wool gaberdine and a '50s date: it's a lovely coat, I like the turned back cuffs and the centre back waist detailing.

If you do the collar up and take a photo, it will be easier to see how it's meant to be worn.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info on material and date, Jonathan and Nicole! Would you recommend I iron the coat or is that a no no?

Here's me modelling the coat :)

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You look wonderful! I hope you bought that coat for yourself and not to sell : ).

If it's not already been dry-cleaned, I would definitely do so. That will eliminate anything nasty that could be lurking, and do away with the wrinkles as well.
 
Lovely coat and stunning on you! Totally agree with mid 50s, and with Liza as to having it dry cleaned. Or, if it's clean, stick it in your freezer for a couple weeks to halt any critter activity (or alternate with freezing and thawing), and then steam rather than iron. Anything wool that comes into my house gets the freezer treatment!
 
Thanks for the pic Johanna - you look so happy in your new coat!

I agree that all vintage wools should be de-bugged when they come into your home - dry cleaning or freezing will do the job. Agree with mid '50s date. Never be scared of ironing a wool coat, it's a tough material and as long as you don't go too hot, you should be fine.
 
I agree with Nicole that wool coats can be ironed, but it can be easy to scorch the lining unless you remember to turn down the heat when you get to that! The wool needs a higher heat to come out neatly, so when I iron a wool coat, I do the lining first on warm heat, then turn up the heat and do the wool shell second. Fortunately I've never scorched a coat lining, but I have scorched acetate (rayon will also scorch on heat that's too high) before by not realizing the iron was too hot, so I tend to just steam coats. For me, it's faster and less to worry about....
 
Thanks for the super advice everyone! I stall be searching out a dry cleaner with experience of vintage things and entrusting it to them. I can't wait to wear it!
 
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