Vintage Coat. 1920's?

Villa

Villa

Registered Guest
I was wondering about this coat. It is some type of velour kind of fabric, with a soft, thick, short nap, and faux fur at the collor and rhombus shaped patches at the elbows. By the way, what are those ties in the lining of older vintage coats for? To hold a purse? I thought it was maybe 20's, or possibly 30's. The collar can be worn open, or buttoned high to make a furry, round standing collar. Thanks!
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I agree with '20s or perhaps early '30s - I love the furry sleeves! The interior ties are usually to hold the opening in place, where there is a slight wrap over - I hope that makes sense. One side ties up with the other.
 
Thanks Nicole! I see what you are saying, but I am not sure I understand. I have a number of coats (about 3) where there are two longish ties sewn in together on one side and none on the other. How would it work?
 
I've worn coats with the internal ties both on one side like that. As Nicole says, one of them should go through a loop, like a belt loop, on the other side. It might be in the side seam, or near the front. Then you tie them together in a bow. I've seen the loop made out of the same material of the lining, as well as knotted thread. The loop could be missing but that is how they work.

Other coats have the ties with one on each side, but the purpose is the same. As I understand it, it's to improve the line of the coat, make it secure, and to reduce strain on the fasteners - similar really to the purpose of a waist stay in a skirt. You sometimes still see them in modern coats.
 
OK, I got you on the ties, that makes sense! It would be especially helpful on this coat as there is a lot of weight pulling on the button loops. I did notice an attachment on the other side, but it is kind of smooshed down and I couldn't tell what it was. I bet it is, or at least was, the loop.
Ruth, you are right. I don't think it actually is velour, but I just meant it has that type of pile. Actually, I think it is supposed to be some kind of short fur. Is there anything like that?
 
Lovely coat. From this thread I looked online and see faux fur was invented in 1929. That really surprised me.
This looks like real fur to me though from what I can see. Neat buttons.
 
I know, aren't the buttons fantastic?! It is too bad that the top one is missing. It has the same buttons as decorations at the cuffs, and oft times I would remove them and use one to replace the missing one on the front. In this case though, they add a lot to the look of the sleeves, and I wouldn't want to make the sleeves look plain. I suppose I could try to find a different but complimentary button for the top position on the front. What do you think I should do?
I will look into the fur idea. It just doesn't feel very soft, but I expect 90 or so years or so could explain that!
 
Eww, I mean, Ohh. I just looked at the fur and think I can see skin at the base of the fur. It is so thick it is hard to tell though. I will have to look into it more.
I posted three questions last night, and I just want to thank everybody for all of the many replies with help and insights. You guys are just the best!
 
Beautiful find! If the fur is real, I wonder what kind it is? Also, just out of curiousity, anyone know what they would've used back then to make faux fur? I know nowadays, it's polyester.
 
Looking at the close-up, I see the fabric warp and weft in the worn spots, so the body is plush. Don't know the fiber makeup of the plush pile, but it would have to be a natural comb of some kind. If there's a bit where you could do a burn test, that would help answer it. The collar looks real, and that would be a classic period combination for a middle price range coat. Faux for the big parts, real for the accents near the face.

Hollis
 
Hi,

I think Hollis pegged it, this looks to be made of a fabric known as "plush". It is similar to hatter's plush, just heavier and thicker. Usually made of silk or rayon or a blend of the 2. It was made to imitate seal or beaver fur, and can be considered a type of heavy velvet, made in a similar fashion with a flattened pile to give it sheen.
 
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