Victorian/Edwardian dating help

[blubirdboutique]

Victorian/edwardian is out of my comfort zone. However, I picked up these items and would love any input. Also, I have a trip this Saturday to go through an attic in which the woman tells me is stuffed with 1800s through 1940s. So, I'm hoping I can educate myself further on the very old antique items. They do fascinate me, so I look forward to any help. If you know of any online guides (besides this great source!) I can browse to learn more that would be great too. Thanks!

What I can add is the cape is an accordion pleated silk with silk chiffon ruffles, silk bow. The jacket is a cotton type of fabric with silk lining, the dress with the high neck is also a cotton type fabric with a taffeta silk lining, and the other dress is silk and silk taffeta.

Hope it's ok to list them all here? If not, I'll separate them. Thanks so much!

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Hi,

Well you have found some marvelous things, you are very fortunate.

I would date the black ruffled capelet from circa 1897 to 1902.

The long black suit jacket looks circa 1909 to 1911. That Spencer style was revived during that time.

The other two black Edwardian dresses I will come back and look at again later as I have run out for a sudden errand. The last one with the toggles looks around 1910. The other maybe a year or 2 earlier.


I am sure someone else will come along in the mean time.

Really great finds.

 

[blubirdboutique]

Thank you Barbara! I do think they are very lovely. I particularly like the one dress with the toggles. I also think it's great that they aren't so tiny, I'd say the dresses are a 28 inch waist or so. I'd love to find a reason to wear one. Do you know what the purpose of the capelet was? It wasn't for warmth, so I'm guessing just decorative. Is all of this mourning wear? To be worn at home or out and about? Also, the jacket - looks like a male style to me, or military style. What would that be worn with? Thank you for all your help!

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

Just gorgeous...lovely finds.

Barbara did date the jacket for you above and I would agree with her. I would say part of a walking suit outfit.

The capelet was just to enhance the outfit.

Can't wait to see the other goodies from the attic.

 

[Lucybelle]

These are lovely pieces and look to be in very nice condition! Black was considered fashionable during this era, so these aren't necessarily mourning garments. The jacket would be part of a walking suit like those shown below.

 

[Jonathan]

The dress with the lace bodice looks like the dress that should be worn under the long jacket - they both have the little button decorations.

 

[blubirdboutique]

Just gorgeous...lovely finds.

Barbara did date the jacket for you above and I would agree with her. I would say part of a walking suit outfit.

The capelet was just to enhance the outfit.

Can't wait to see the other goodies from the attic.

Thank you!

 

[blubirdboutique]

These are lovely pieces and look to be in very nice condition! Black was considered fashionable during this era, so these aren't necessarily mourning garments. The jacket would be part of a walking suit like those shown below.

Interesting. I am going to do a bit of reading up on this era. Thanks!

 

[blubirdboutique]

The dress with the lace bodice looks like the dress that should be worn under the long jacket - they both have the little button decorations.

Ahhh thanks! They are the exact same fabric! I will put them together and photograph and repost.