This coat is quite wonderful and it does have its original department store label which gives us some clue to its origins. Its inner label tells us that it was sold by McCreery & Company out of Pittsburgh. That department store opened its door around 1904 and I found a reference to it as being "described as a place where sumptuous richness is the keynote". They provided high end goods to up until they went out of business in 1938. This gives us a definitive window for dating.

The style of the coat dates it to the 1920s and I would guess that it is from the turn of that decade, or right before, when wool paisley shawls and coats made from them were all the rage. The exterior is a beautiful example of the workmanship being done at this time. The fabric is tightly loomed and intricate. I love the subtle range of colors that run through the design and that get more apparent the closer you look. Inside, the coat is lined in a contrasting silk done in a bright turquoise color with a pink and green design. The cut is a wrapped cocoon style that engulfs the wearer in volume. It has a generous shawl collar that can be worn up or down. I love the huge circular loop and knot that act as a closure at the front. Typical to the time period, the closure is set low on the hip and off set to one side. The sleeves are magnificent. They are cropped and are very wide. I love how their curving, scalloped edges is done to follow the pattern in the paisley. The inner lining is cut and hand stitched into place to follow those same curves. It is exceptional and like most of the pieces from the 1920s, really only shows off its beauty once on a real body. Far better in real life and on then my dress form can ever show. Excellent condition with some small notes below about the lining

Fully lined in a blue printed silk and closes with the large knot and loop closures off set at the front. The label of the coat is slightly offset on the neck and I think the lining had come loose at some point and was resewn in a little off center. I left it as found as I find these small oddities in pieces this old to be quite charming but it would be an easy thing to un-tack and redo. The lining is otherwise sound with just a small touch of shattering here and there - along the neckline seam and the seams at the arms and a small area or two near the back hem that looked to have been stitched to strengthen. All very minor for a piece of this age. I see no flaws to the exterior. Very strong and wearable. The loose and easy cut will fit just about any size. All hand finished. May be hand loomed

Sleeves: approx 18"
Shoulders: relaxed fit with no set seam
Bust-hips: open
Length: 46" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Item# C487

Reference Photo: (1) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.