Circa 1915 Antique Fine Knit Wool Walking Suit With Tiger's Eye Buttons
Description
This magnificent circa 1915 antique fine knit walking suit in pale fawn is in incredible vintage condition with some extraordinary construction and design features. Pieces such as this would have been designed as sportswear and outwear for women in the elite at the turn of the century and would have been worn on shooting excursions and country walks.
It is designed to be practical, however it is also adorned with decorative buttons (82 in total) and intricate stitching to maintain a stylish, feminine aesthetic. This coat is comprised of fine knit Worstead wool in pale fawn with the softest to touch caramel coloured felt inserts on the bodice, collar and cuffs. The pretty Peter Pan collar is trimmed with a tan ribbon trim as are the rounded cuffs. The numerous faux tiger eye buttons are original and made from early lucite. The majority are 0.6 inches across and embellish the coat running vertically along the seams both front and reverse, the shoulders, mid back and lower half of the sleeves. There are 2 X larger buttons measuring 1.1 inches across positioned either side of the belt fastening at the waist.
The coat is designed to be stepped into and opens at the front with a series of concealed popper fastenings beneath the collar to the left and continuing the length of the felt insert on the bodice. The belt feature also secures with concealed popper closures to the left. Decorative linear stitching is used to enhance the line of the piece throughout. This beautiful coat is remarkably well preserved and has only minimal restorative darning work which is barely visible on the collar and at two points on the bodice. A museum worthy piece for the discerning collector and completely wearable with care. Would fit up to a US size 6-8, UK size 10-12. Our model is a UK8-10 and 5ft 11in. (180cm) and this dress was a good fit on her.
MEASUREMENTS:
BUST - 36 in. (91.44 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76.2 cm)
HIP - 39 in. (99.06 cm)
LENGTH - 45 in. (114.3 cm)