DadJeans
Registered Guest
Hello all!
I'm an avid thrifter and re-seller of menswear in Canada (Hamilton, ON). Most of what I come across is fairly recent Italian tailoring. I occasionally have the pleasure of coming across some true vintage pieces and I have a special one here I could use a little help with.
I believe it to be a shaker rib knit men's wool pullover from a knitting mill called R.M. Ballantyne Limited in Stratford, ON. From legal documents and trade publications, I've been able to find out that they operated under that name from 1905 to 1947. I'm trying to narrow down that timeline a little bit before I list it for sale. (Or, more likely, continue to fawn over it and wish I was several sizes smaller for several months before my wife tells me it needs to go!)
I believe the buttons to be bakelite based on the fact that they're slightly darker on the exterior side and lighter on the interior side. That would suggest to me that the sweater is likely from the 1930s. That being said, all that I know about bakelite, celluloid and other older buttons I know from recent google searches. I have not tried a hot-water test with the buttons yet, as I don't want to detach them or risk wetting the garment.
There are no union tags present nor is there a size tag. There is also no listed fibre content or country of origin labeling. I'm not sure when either of these became standardized in Canada. I assume that it is meant as casual wear for the colder months but I've also entertained the possibility that the stripes may indicate team colours from some sort of sport.
Any help you can offer to broaden or correct my understanding and appreciation of this garment is much appreciated!
I'm an avid thrifter and re-seller of menswear in Canada (Hamilton, ON). Most of what I come across is fairly recent Italian tailoring. I occasionally have the pleasure of coming across some true vintage pieces and I have a special one here I could use a little help with.
I believe it to be a shaker rib knit men's wool pullover from a knitting mill called R.M. Ballantyne Limited in Stratford, ON. From legal documents and trade publications, I've been able to find out that they operated under that name from 1905 to 1947. I'm trying to narrow down that timeline a little bit before I list it for sale. (Or, more likely, continue to fawn over it and wish I was several sizes smaller for several months before my wife tells me it needs to go!)
I believe the buttons to be bakelite based on the fact that they're slightly darker on the exterior side and lighter on the interior side. That would suggest to me that the sweater is likely from the 1930s. That being said, all that I know about bakelite, celluloid and other older buttons I know from recent google searches. I have not tried a hot-water test with the buttons yet, as I don't want to detach them or risk wetting the garment.
There are no union tags present nor is there a size tag. There is also no listed fibre content or country of origin labeling. I'm not sure when either of these became standardized in Canada. I assume that it is meant as casual wear for the colder months but I've also entertained the possibility that the stripes may indicate team colours from some sort of sport.
Any help you can offer to broaden or correct my understanding and appreciation of this garment is much appreciated!
