This is a wonderful little jacket made from a combination of assuit and black velvet. The technique used to make the assuit part of the jacket has been done for a very long time and is still done today but not to the same degree and quality of the pieces done in the twenties. I suspect that this was assembled sometime in the late 1920s or early thirties from an earlier assuit shawl - this was often done to get more life out of earlier pieces. It is cut to sit loose and easy on the body and the front neckline has a long black velvet scarf attachment that you can drape it around your neck in many different ways. The same black velvet edges the bottom hem and again ties at the front. The exterior is a fine cotton mesh with squares of real silver hammered and folded into the mesh - in essence the metal is wrapped around the mesh to form that fantastic design. The main body of the piece is is literally covered with these little silver squares. It is lined in a cream tissue silk. It is a thing of beauty and a wonderful example of the level of craftsmanship and care put into garments during this time period.
The garment is fully lined in cream tissue silk - note that this inner lining feels newer and may have been a replacement at some point - and it ties to close at the neck and low front. There are small areas of oxidation here and there but I do not consider these to be a flaw - its a natural evolution of the material used. The inside is clean and the silk strong. Some extremely minor breaks on the netting along the shoulder seam and one spot as photoed. The velvet shows 'crushing' where is has been tied over the years. There are no real outstanding flaws to note otherwise. Note that the color of the assuit is a slightly deeper tone then how it photoed. Please remember that pieces of this age will have a natural patina and should not be expected to be absolutely perfect (though this is close)! It is after all almost 100 years old. The loose and easy cut will allow it to fit a variety of sizes.
Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 18"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# S798
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.