“Playtex Living Girdle” Tube
“Playtex Living Girdle” 19” cardboard Tube covered with silver mylar paper. In black print “made of smooth liquid latex, A New Discovery in Figure Control.” 3 pictures of a woman seen from the back wearing hose, shoes and a pink girdle. International Latex Corp, Dover, Delaware, copyright 1941. DATE: 1941 into 50s.
“American Beauty” Corset Box
“American Beauty” Corset Box. 20” x 40” beige box with one long stem red rose on the lid. Kalamazoo Corset Co., U.S.A. Company name changed to the Grace Corset Company in 1922.
“Sarong, the criss-cross girdle” Box
“Sarong, the criss-cross girdle” Box. The girdle “that walks and won’t ride up!” Blueish gray box 5” x 18” w/a black and white picture of a woman in her bullet bra and girdle. Her hands are stretched out high, she is looking over her shoulder, up on one foot as if in a graceful dance position. Says, “the girdle that walks and won’t ride up!” and “Div. 28, style 6286, color white, skirt length 14, size 34.” This was a mail order item from Montgomery Ward and includes original tissue and a leaflet. ” A guide to the correct size of your Carol Brent brassiere and foundation garment, personal assistance by Joan Browne or a trained assistant at the nearest Wards Mail Order House.” Includes how to measure for the foundation and brassieres, return policy and how to launder. It was the first major mail order catalog when published in 1872, providing a whole new way to shop, especially important to those in rural areas. DATE: 1950s.
“Sharoodʼs Style Catalog, Spring & Summer 1926”
“Sharoodʼs Style Catalog, Spring & Summer 1926,” primarily a catalog for womenʼs fashions includes some menswear. Cover shows a young woman in front of an orange draped entrance.10-1/2” x 8” DATED: 1926.
View Full Text
“The Milliner”
“The Milliner,” monthly magazine of hat fashions. June 1924, Vol. 35. 35 black and white pages includes articles about hats. Dark blue cover with white images of hats, compacts, pearls and roses, in center is a black and white photo of a seated woman, bouquet of roses in her lap, wearing a hat and holding a parasol. Chicago, Il $3.00 a year in U.S.A., 12 x 9-1/2” DATED: 1924
View Full Text
“Voice of Fashion”
“Voice of Fashion.” Patterns for women who want to sew their own dresses. Black and white sketches of womenʼs dresses, pattern pieces with measurements on one side and descriptions of the fabric, color, design details, buttons and other items needed on the opposite page. First page shows and discusses how to take your measurements, correct cutting, how to baste, change the waistline, work to scale etc. W.H. Goldsberry, Chicago, Il. Subscription Price “$1.50 per Year in Advance Single Copies 40c.” 15-1/2 x 10-1/2” DATED:1897.
a View Vol. XI, No. 45, Fall 1897.
b View Vol. XII, No. 46, Winter 1897
2 Feather and Bug Ornaments
Jewelry - 2 Feather and Bug Ornaments. DATE: 1920s.
a. Jewelry - 3 Fuchsia Feathers 4” long. A fuchsia rhinestone bug sits where the feathers connect to a 2” fuchsia pipe cleaner.
b. Jewelry - Black paper grasshopper with bright green rhinestone eyes and a spray of soft black feather wings. A 2-1/2” black pipe cleaner is attached to the underside of the grasshopper.
2 Red leather Pouch style purses
2 Red leather Pouch style purses with brass framing along the opening and an embossed Egyptian motif across the top. The clasp, with two royal lions and a center ring is the same on both sides of the purses. The red leather handles, with slight differences, are looped and meant to be carried on the wrist. After King Tut’s Tomb was discovered in 1923 Egyptian motifs became very popular in clothing, jewelry, advertising and all aspects of life. DATE: Circa 1925.
a. 2-1/2” wide brass frame across the top is embossed with 2 Egyptian dogs or perhaps cats. Both animals were revered and in early carvings and murals they often looked so similar that it can be hard to distinguish between them. Purse is lined in purple taffeta w/a small taffeta pouch and covered mirror attached to the inside. Label reads, “Warranted crushed leather.” 6-1/2’ at its widest and 6-3/4” long.
b. The purse has a 2” neck embellished with a rectangular brass filigree motif. It is lined in pink taffeta with a round attached mirror and small pouch. 6” at its widest and 6-1/2” from top of neck to bottom edge.
2 brass plated metal purse Frames
Purse - 2 brass plated metal purse Frames with plunger closures, front center wreaths and chain handles. Purse Frame, wreath and chain handle embellished with small round flowers. 2 swans connect the chain to the frame. Frame 7” wide, 6-1/2” drop down chain.
Purse Frame and plunger in a floral motif. Frame 4-1/2” wide, 6” drop down chain.
2 cotton Handkerchiefs
Made in Austria, 2 cotton Handkerchiefs embroidered with red flowers. New, never used.
2 Dress or Fur Clips made in China
2 Dress or Fur Clips made in China.
a. Bone oval in floral motif
b. Ivory Scrimshaw
2 hand tooled Arts and Crafts leather purses
2 hand tooled Arts and Crafts leather purses.
a. Leather bag, front has calla lilies reaching upward in a symmetrical design with a textured back. Frame looks brass plated highlighted with floral design that is repeated on the Turnloc clasp. The flip open top of the clasp is attached to a piece tan celluloid. Inside of bag is lined in green suede with 3 pockets and include a small mirror with a leather backing. The bag has a leather lacing. There is a stamped label on the inside but it is difficult to read, however the inside of the frame has 3 patent dates - Oct. 5, 1915, May 15, 1917 and July 23, 1918 which are the patent dates found on all Jemco leather bags. Chain handle not original to the bag. 8-3/4” x 7-1/4.” DATED: After 1915.
b. Leather bag with both a floral and geometric symmetrical design on the front and back. Purse has decorative flaps on the front. Frame is caramel and brown celluloid with a clear caramel hinged closure that flips down over the top.The back has a looped strap for sliding the hand through to hold. Bag has leather lacing. Lining is green suede lwith two pockets. The celluloid along the left side of the frame has split and a section is missing. I have included it in the collection because it is an unusual combination of materials and clasp. 8” x 6-3/4.” DATE: Mid teens to mid 1920s.
2 Handkerchiefs, 1 with two fish under water
2 Handkerchiefs, 1 with two fish under water, 1 with a spray of blue and white flowers. Black sticker says, “Cocktail Size.” Made in Switzerland with gold oval stickers that say “All Cotton, Made in Switzerland, RN 14750.” They all have a floral motif. Never used.
2 Large whimsical wicker purses decorated
2 Large whimsical wicker purses decorated with 3 dimensional objects. DATE: Late 1950s into 60s.
a. Black wicker covered with vegetables, bright orange carrots and white asparagus in a velvety fabric. Purse closes with an elastic loop that slips over a wood button. Lining is black. 12” wide at the bottom, 7” high and 5-1/2” deep at the bottom edge with a rigid 7-1/2” handle.
b. White wicker sea life diorama includes an orange raffia lobster and a crab with gold bands and pearl eyes; there are sea shells, water plants and netting . Gold painted woven trim. Purse opens from the center and closes with a rope loop that slips over a white wood button. White lining with “Made in Japan” label. 9” x 7-1/2 x 5-1/2” with 2 flexible handles 5-1/2.”
2 Leather clutch bags machine tooled in a swirly symmetrical pa
2 Leather clutch bags machine tooled in a swirly symmetrical pattern and partially painted. The metal frames are covered in the leather. Bags have a coin purse with a kiss lock closure that is attached to a bar at the hinge allowing it to move back and forth. There is a back loop strap for holding with the back of your hand.
a. Carmel brown leather bag with areas of randomly placed colors in shades of brown, blue, rose and mustard and a large center series of swirls that form a circle at the center of the front. Back identical tooling, no color. The lining is beige and there is an inside pocket. There is a kiss lock closure. Bag 6-3/4” wide at the base 5-1/4” long.
2 Rollins Runstop Hosiery Boxes
2 Rollins Runstop Hosiery Boxes. Both boxes say “Full Fashioned Service” DATED: Mid 1920s through the 40s. (Ads for Rollins in publications from 1925, 1937 and 1940) “No More Embarrassing Garter Runs.” Small triangular sticker on box says, “Delta Heel.” & “Improved Double Runstop, Red at Hem, Color of Hose at Knee” and “Stops Embarrassing Garter Runs.”
2 sided hand painted Brise Fan
2 sided hand painted Brise Fan made of very thin pieces of natural wood with a large black bird in flight on one side and white, orchid and yellow flowers w/green leaves in the center on the reverse side. Varnished wood guards, ribs and guards carved in a wavy pattern along the bottom edges, increasing in width and at the top are rounded. 1/4” of purple ribbon is woven through each rib connecting them along the top.
3 hand made Handkerchiefs
Made in Maderia, Portugal, 3 hand made Handkerchiefs with embroidered initials, 2 with an A, and 1 with a “S” that belonged to Sarah Horvitz, mother-in-law of the collector. Made of “cotton, Dacron and polyester.” Never used.
3 Handkerchief
3 Handkerchiefs, 1 with a branch of yellow flowers, 1 with a red, pink and white rose, and 1 with a purple and a white flower. Made in Switzerland with gold oval stickers that say “All Cotton, Made in Switzerland, RN 14750.” They all have a floral motif. Never used.
3 Handkerchiefs
3 Handkerchiefs, 1 with red roses, 1 with a red, white and blue flower and 1 with a spray of flowers and a butterfly. Made in Switzerland with gold oval stickers that say “All Cotton, Made in Switzerland, RN 14750.” They all have a floral motif. Never used.
3 Mini Shoe Horns 6” long
3 Mini Shoe Horns 6” long in the shape of a shoe with a 1” heel. Celluloid or bakelite faux mother of pearl.
a. Grey with stemmed red flower and black heels. Mini Shoe Horns 6” long in the shape of a shoe with a 1” heel. Celluloid or bakelite faux mother of pearl.
b. Yellow with a red flower decal and red heels. Mini Shoe Horns 6” long in the shape of a shoe with a 1” heel. Celluloid or bakelite faux mother of pearl.
c. Pink with a spray of tiny blue and white flowers and 7 clear rhinestones, black heels. Mini Shoe Horns 6” long in the shape of a shoe with a 1” heel. Celluloid or bakelite faux mother of pearl.
3 pairs of Leading Lady Hose, back seam
3 pairs of “Leading Lady” Hose, back seam, top edge has ½” wide elastic band, cinnamon color. DATE: 1940s.
3 piece gray silk and voided velvet dress. The skirt is very or
3 piece gray silk and voided velvet dress. The skirt is very ornate w/a center panel of gray voided velvet damask in a floral pattern. There are multiple chenille tendrils on the border between the decorative panel and the main body of the skirt. The underskirt has a box pleated ruffle 3” deep. The back of the skirt has a bustle arrangement w/a wide bow of the damask voided velvet and more chenille tendrils. The bow fastens to the back of the bodice at the small of the back. The interior of the skirt has its own bustle superstructure made of elastic and metal boning and is adjustable for width and circumference of the bustle. The bodice is gray silk w/the collar, front placket and cuff decoration of the voided velvet damask. Dress fastens down the front with 19 buttons and buttonholes, the very top button missing. The bodice is heavily boned with balene. There is a mantle made of the voided velvet damask w/chenille tendrils as fringe which rest over the shoulders and across the yoke of the bodice, but the dress can be worn w or without the mantle. The waist is 25” and the skirt is 36” at center front. Label: Johnston Broadway at 22nd Street, New York. DATE: Circa 1886.
3 vertical spring coils
3 vertical spring coils covered w/cotton, 8” long, fastens at waist w/twill tape and 2 prong buckle, adjustable to maximum of 28,” covered with white cotton and lace edging. It has a belt made of a strip of white cotton and a metal clasp. DATE: Circa 1885. (Metal has oxidized and there are rust stains wherever the coil is touching the fabric.)
4 Coil Haut ton
4 Coils covered dark ecru cotton with a small pad at the back of the waist; secured by a belt around the waist which fastened in the front with a 2 pronged buckle, adjustable to 26.” Called a “haut ton” which means “of the aristocracy.” DATE: Circa 1885. (Cotton casing is very discolored, perhaps from residual oil on the metal.)
4 Hat Blocks from Papier Mache Hat Block Co
4 Hat Blocks from Papier Mache Hat Block Co..1523A N. Bronson Ave., Hollywood, Calif. Manufactures of the “Moderne Papier Mache Millinery Hat Blocks, Flanges and Brims. Nos. 815, 925, 957, 958.
6 round colored Handkerchiefs
6 round colored Handkerchiefs with scalloped edges, in pastel colors, 4 with dancers, 2 w flowers.
A Bathing Suit, one piece black suit with pantaloon style pants
One piece black suit with pantaloon style pants and a separate over skirt that closes with a button at the back. Skirt waistband attaches to the bodice with 4 concealed front and side buttons and in the back the button that closes the skirt also attaches to the bodice. It has two buttons on the left shoulder and 7 concealed buttons from left shoulder to 7” below the waist. The short sleeves gather at the shoulder and sleeve opening to create puffed look. Suit decorated with 1/2” tan and white ribbon. Bodice has 3 rows along the square neckline and 2 rows at the bottom of the sleeves. Skirt has 2 rows at the waist and 3 rows along the bottom. Skirt and pantaloons 26” to 26-1/2” from top of waistband to bottom edge. Bodice and skirt label crocheted with the initials MCM. DATE: Turn of Century to about 1915.
A Garter?
What appears to be a “sexy” and humorous handmade garter. Two 3/4” x 3-3/4” pieces of satin ribbon stitched together. The garter is beaded in clear beads with a blue border and tiny red flowers on each end. The ends are pointed and are attached to round pieces of gathered pink ribbon. In the center of one piece is the word “GO” and on the other “STOP.” At first look it would seem that they are a pair, two garters that someone sewed together. But looking closer you see a small round plastic bead at 3 of the ends but not on the 4th which is attached from underneath. This would suggest that they were stitched together when made. Anyone’s guess exactly what it was and how it was used. Difficult to date.
A Gym Wear bloomer-style Gym Costume, one piece fast
Navy blue wool bloomer-style lady’s gym costume, one piece fastens at front w/snap, brown polished cotton waistband inside, collar area also lined w/same polished cotton. Top fastens off center at left, sleeves are full and fall to the elbow. Legs are very full and gathered at the knees. Original elastic has lost its elasticity. Would be worn for taking exercise at a gymnasium or school. Would not be worn in any co-ed situation. Gymbloom Suit made exclusively by J.W.Knitt, Lansing, Michigan. Circa: 1910.WWI
A Milbury Atlantic Bathing Suit, black one piece skirted suit
Milbury, the Atlantic, black one piece skirted suit with separate pantaloons. Suit decorated with narrow black and white stripped ribbon. Down the front center from the top of neckline to the bottom the ribbon is 2” wide with horizontal stripes. Length 35.” 1-3/8” ribbon On each side of the bodice in the front and in the back, and along the cap sleeve openings, are1-3/8” diagonal stripes. There is very narrow ribbon around the neckline and around top and bottom edges of the 1-3/4”” waistband. There are 5 concealed button down the front, a hook and eye at the waist and one self fabric 1-3/8” diameter button 4” down from center of neckline. 22” from top of waistband to bottom edge. Pantaloons do not attach, have a narrow ribbon waistband, close with a button and are 25” in length. Both pieces with fabric label “38” in black ink. DATE: Circa 1910
A Pair of Bathing Shoes, Pair of Rauh Standard Bathing Shoes
Pair of Rauh’s “Standard Bathing Shoes,” black with 3 white stripes at ankle and white laces, size 6. DATE: 1920s.
A soft brown and black voided velvet and plain black velvet one
A soft brown and black voided velvet and plain black velvet one piece dress with a removable vest. Bodice is black velvet w/a cream net insert at the neckline, black velvet sleeves which end in a wide cuff of the voided black velvet, there is a 11-1/2” lace ruffle at the wrist, bodice has a stand up collar of voided velvet. The outer layer vest is boned and fastens at the center front w/hooks and eyes. The dress may have been remade in the 19-teens. Waist is 29” and 37” at the center front. Dress belonged to Taube Leah Goodman Ravel and said to have been the dress she wore when she came to the United States from Lithuania. She was the Grandmother of the provider of the content in this collection. DATE: Between 1896 and 1899.
A two piece dress of black heavy synthetic woven material
A two piece dress of black heavy synthetic woven material, very shiny, both pieces lined in sky blue acetate; bodice has wide scooped neck which would fall off the shoulder and very small cap sleeves, fastens on left side w/metal zipper, bodice is very fitted w/bust darts and princess seams. Skirt is full w/10 gores, each gore decorated at the hem w/flower bouquet in raffia in shades of green, blue, pink and red. The skirt has 25” waist and 26” long. Label: “Leone” Via Vigna Nuova 60 R. Firenze. DATE: 1960s. (Purchased in Florence, Italy by Vivette Rifkin, mother of the provided of this collection.)
A Water-Sprite black Bathing Suit
Water-Sprite black suit, with original tag that has a picture of woman on one side and description on the other, “ONE PIECE. Skirt can never detach. This positively prevents the embarrassment and damage of serious accident due to dropping of skirt-a frequent occurrence with ordinary bathing suits….” neckline edged with 2 rows of off white trim, sleeve opening with one row. Left shoulder has concealed buttons along length of suit. Attached full pantaloon style pants to the ankle. Label reads “April 14, 1914, Reg. U.S. Patented.” Skirt length 22” from waist to bottom edge of skirt, pantaloons 25.” DATED: 1914
Adjustable pink Corselette Straps
Adjustable pink Corselette Straps, sew on, in original 3” x 4-1/2” chip board envelope. DATE: 1920s.
Gemco, Brassiere and Garter Belt Repairs, on original card. DATE: 1920s into early 30s.
Fair, Brassiere Repairs, on original card. DATE: 1930s and 40s.
American Reticule 3 sectional beaded Bag with floral motif
American Reticule 3 sectional beaded Bag with floral motif. Silk plaid header in shades of rose and green with a green silk ribbon drawstring. Center section with large roses, blue flowers and green leaves against a gray background.Third section has tiny flowers and designs in white, green and light blue with a line of tan. Black beads along the three sides bottom edge. 5-1/2” x 6-1/2.” DATE: Around 1840 to 1875.
American white kid shoes with Fenelon bow
Pair of American white kid shoes with Fenelon bow (a multi-looped bow) on vamp, elastic strap across center. DATE: Circa 1840 to 1865.
Aristo Hosiery, 3 pair Made of Dupont Nylon Color Toujours, w
Aristo Hosiery, 3 pair “Made of Dupont Nylon” Color Toujours, wrapped in original tissue with gold paper band.
Artistic hat with a wide brim
Artistic hat with a wide brim is covered with pale yellow nylon and the flat crown is significantly wider at the top than it is at the bottom and tilts to the left. Black velvet complicated bow at the front. There is a strap designed to go under the back of the hair. DATE: 1940s.
Automobile/Motocycle Protective Glasses, metal
Automobile/Motocycle Protective Glasses, metal w/fur trim and attached fabric strap.
Bandeau red feather and velvet hat
Bandeau red feather and velvet hat with a matching feather muff. Feathers have black accents. The hat is shallow, 7” depth across the top of the crown; with the feathers on right side extend beyond the hat to wrap around the frame the face. Netting covers feathers. The front underside is partially visible and covered with velvet, the lining is magenta silk taffeta and grosgrain ribbon. The muff has a 26” circumference, black silk taffeta lining and attached fabric loop for wrist. Label “Anabel Faden Millinery, Cincinnati.” DATE: 1950s and 60s.
Bar and Jade Dress Clip
Bar pin or Pendant in gold tone metal with a large round rhinestone flower in the center and small horizontal bars on each side with three green rhinestones. Pin 2-1/4” across. Belonged to Vivette Ravel Rifkin, the collectorʼs mother. Jade grape bead cluster dress clip with 3 decorative brass metal leaves.
Bathing Cap, Aqua Fashions- exclusive Mermaid Millinery creation
Aqua Fashions, “an exclusive Mermaid Millinery creation.” Black rubber cap covered with black chantilly lace and overlay of flowers made with metallic silver and gold thread pulled up into a knot at the top. US Rubber, w/original hang tag. DATE: 1950s.
Bathing Cap, Glaytex cream rubber cap
Glaytex cream rubber bathing cap has 1/4” spikes that circle 10 metallic plastic balls framed with rubber leaves. The balls are 1/2” in diameter and painted in gold, silver, green and red. Made in Spain. DATE: 40s and 50s.
Bathing Suit Box, Norfolk
Norfolk Bathings Suits box, light green background with white and black. Features a man and woman, each standing inside half of an open seashell modeling their bathing attire. Box 10” x 11.” Norfolk Knitting Mills, Stoughton, Mass. DATE: 1920s.
Bathing Suit, Bavaria Knitting Mills purple wool suit
Bavaria Knitting Mills purple wool suit with striped white and purple trim around the neck, arm openings, bottom of skirt and 2 front pockets. 3 black buttons at the right shoulder neckline. Attached shorts same length as skirted suit, Blum Bros., Chicago. DATE: 1910s early 20s.