What did I even buy… Western Costume Co. Dress

[Pompadour]

Hi everyone! I have yet another please help me date this post. I just bought yet (another) dress on eBay and this time it was a western costume co one. I even tried to call them to ask what movie this dress might’ve been used in but they said that department was closed at the time since the movie business was slow. I’m really confused as to when this dress may be from. It’s listed as 30s or 40s, but a definitive answer might be nice. It has a center back metal Talon zipper. But even then I know dressmakers could’ve used whatever they had on hand even if the zipper was 10 years old. Any help would be much appreciated! . It’s also rayon velvet. (Did a burn test).

 

[jameswmichael]

That’s a cool find! Based on the rayon velvet and Talon zipper, I’d guess it’s from the late 30s or early 40s. Zippers can be tricky since they were used for a while, but if the design looks more 1930s, it could be from that time. Any other details, like the stitching or embellishments, might help pin it down more.

 

[Pompadour]

That’s a cool find! Based on the rayon velvet and Talon zipper, I’d guess it’s from the late 30s or early 40s. Zippers can be tricky since they were used for a while, but if the design looks more 1930s, it could be from that time. Any other details, like the stitching or embellishments, might help pin it down more.

Ahh thank you!! hm… I’d say the stitching of most interest on this thing is the ruched bodice and the turned hem that goes about 3” and is hand hemmed down.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

I see 1940s with this one.

 

[MagsRags]

I was thinking late 1930s into 1940s. Back zipper is not right for the era, but different considerations for a costume and needing to get in and out easily and have it stay closed while the actor moved around as directed.

 

[Linn]

I see very late '30s to early '40s, too. Back zippers were used in the late '30s. Some years ago Jonathan posted that there's a very prominent center back zipper in the 1939 film "The Women."

I did some volunteer work at the UH Costume Collection and questioned a gown with a back zipper labelled '30s and Jonathan explained that center back zippers were used then.

This is the dress:

.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Another vote for early 1940s, I'd put it about '41-42ish.

Nicole