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The 40s & 50s


Order #MB422
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1940s Green and Grey Wool Dress Set   

NEW LISTING  Happy to find this everyday 1940s dress set that can be worn every day now. The fabric is a tweedy wool in a green and grey plaid with back and yellow highlights The sold skirt coordinates in grey and is used for the collar, cuffs and belt on the tip. The top buttons down the back  and has a Peter Pan collar, shield shaped patch pockets, puffed sleeves and covered buttons., the skirt has a side closure and front kick pleat.

Label: none 

Size: Top: Bust: 34", Waist: 28“, Hips: 38“, Shoulders: 12”, CB Neck to Waist: 14" to Hem: 22“. Skirt: Waist: 25”, Hips: 35”, Waist to Hem: 24”, Hem Sweep: 40”.

Condition: Very Good- the covered belt buckle has losses to the wool. It could be replaced or another belt  be worn.   

Price: $95 
 

Order #MB449
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1950s Blue Wool and Satin Dress by Jo Copeland   

NEW LISTING  We are very fond of this designer’s work. Jo Copeland was with Patullo for some years, and she produced some striking garments. This 1950s navy blue wool sheath dress is a lightweight one with silk satin bands interwoven through the darts at the midriff to finish in bows at the back. The same satin is used at the square neckline front and back. The Ύ sleeve are cut  kimono style . Center Back metal zipper.

Label: Patullo- Jo Copeland  

Size: Bust: 36", Waist: 29“, Hips: 40“, Shoulders: approx. 15 1/2“, Sleeves: 20”, Shoulder to Waist: 17", Shoulder to Hem: 45”, Hem Sweep: 42”

Condition: Very Good - no holes or stains. There are two rewoven spots as shown.    

Price: $125
 

Order # MB452
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1959 Green Wool Tweed Suit by Jack Sarnoff

NEW LISTING  Jack Sarnoff was both a person and a label.  Actually, this was a 7th Ave. family owned manufacturer of ladies coats, suits and tailored clothing from the 1950s to the early 1970s. For more on this label: Molly for Jack Sarnoff. The fabric on the slim line suit is great. It’s a French yardage by Lesur. I think the attached scarf is chic and lets you wear this is in a number of ways. We show a few possibilities. It’s a great place to showcase a favorite brooch. The princess line jacket has raglan sleeves. The suit is fully lined in silk. Side metal zipper in the skirt.

Label: Jack Sarnoff New York, Tissu Fabrique en France par Lesur Paris 244632

Size: Jacket: Bust: 37”, Waist:33“, Shoulders: approx. 16 1/2”, Sleeves: approx. 20”, CB to Hem: 22”.  
Skirt: Waist: 26”, Hips: 38”, Waist to Hem: 25”, Hem Sweep: 40”

Condition: Excellent. No spots, stains or holes   

Price: $185
 

Order #MB419
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1950s Faux Leopard Hat, Scarf and Muff Set

NEW LISTING  This great set is real fur, but fake leopard. I really think it’s bunny, but I am not a fur expert by any means. The here piece set is comprised of a toque hat with beribboned fur covered pom poms at the sides, and wrap scarf with slots for the double ends to slide through and a large muff with zipper compartment, wrist loops and black smocked back.
The colors of the dyed fur are great. A fabulous set to wear all together or individually as accent pieces.  

Label: none

Size: Hat: Crown: 19“. Scarf: length 37 /12”. Muff: 13” X 10”

Condition: Excellent. No spots, stains or holes  

RESERVED Price: $150


Order #MB445
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1950s Navy Blue Shantung Suit by Hannah Troy

NEW LISTING  Hannah Troy did much more than start the petites sizing she is often credited with. The samples of her work we have found are always a treat. This c. 1955 - 1958 navy blue shantung suits is so well made and has a lovely line. The hip bone length jacket has a darted an curved shape with almost a bustier seaming a the front with an integral and functional bow. Plus there’s a tricky angled line at the center front. The 3/4 sleeves are a kimono cut and have a curved hem with bound button hole at the forearm. The skirt is pleated and flared over a half lining. We show it over a small crinoline. The jacket is lined in a sweet blue and white polka dot with a red accent. Side metal zipper to close the skirt. Not only is this a Hannah Troy, it’s from the fabled Julius Garfinckel store of Washington, D.C.  

Labels: Hannah Troy , Julius Garfinckel & Co. Washington

Size: Jacket: Bust: 34", Waist: 28“, Shoulders: approx. 15”, Sleeves: approx 17”, CB Neck to Waist: 15”, Neck to Hem 18”.
Skirt: Waist: 26“, Hips: full, Waist to Hem: 23 1/2”, Hem Sweep: 132”

Condition: Excellent. No spots, stains or holes. Lining is dingy across the back.  

Price: $185 


1950s Dramatic Blue Draped Silk Vintage Dress by Ceil Chapman

This dramatic blue silk twill dress was designed by American designer Ceil Chapman. And lovely example it is of her dinner/theater dresses. Dressy, but not bare. This dress has a dramatic front double drape, and a front neckline that can be worn as  high or low as you choose with tons of covered buttons and rouleau loops, deep kimono cut dolman sleeves with curved seamed and shaped cuffs. These close with even more buttons and loops. The skirt is flared and full. The waist is defined with a narrow self belt.  A wonderful dress by an important and popular designer who garments continue to be desirable in today‘s market.  

Labels: Ceil Chapman. And apparently the original owner: Mary Jane Ball. The belt is labeled as well. 

Size: Bust: 34” - 35”, Waist: 26”, Hips: full, Shoulders: 15 - 15.5”, Sleeves: 23”, CB Neck to Waist: 16", Waist to Hem: 30, Hem Sweep: full   

Condition: Freshly cleaned, no stains, no holes, in Excellent Condition. The belt buckle is a little worn as often happens. The only issue is that the hem was shortened. at some point. The skirt is still quite long.

SOLD ON LAYAWAY! 
 

Order #MB342
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Chic Late 1950s Navy Blue Dress by Christian Dior NY

NEW LISTING  This beautifully made dress is from Christian Dior -New York, and we  estimate it to be 1958 - 1960.  It’s a navy blue linen? Weave with a sweetheart neckline, a back collar that extends into pleated ‘straps’ over the front and a slim skirt. The sleeves are kimono cut in the 50s style, with cuffs while the slim skirt has front pleats. This open at the front with bound buttonholes and Mother of pearl  buttons, plus hidden snaps and hooks. The shaped belt also closes with a buttons and is cut on the bias. The construction is great, with organza interlining, bound buttonholes and an interior waist band.

Labels: Christian Dior Original made in U.S.A. Christian Dior-New York Inc. and Julius Garfinckel & Co. Washington

Size:  Bust: 36" , Waist: 26", Hips: 38”, Shoulders: approx. 15”, CB Neck to Waist: 15.5” Waist to Hem: 24". Hem Sweep: 46”.      

Condition: Excellent, but for some splits in the organza interlining. These do not affect the look  or the wearability of the dress. No spots, stains or holes. Wear at belt buttonhole.   

Price: $275 


1950s Vintage Sequined Organza & Print Cotton Party Dress
by David Hart   
 

NEW LISTING  This is a bit complicated, so follow along: This dress has 3 layers. First, a black and green net tulle petticoat is hung on a cotton print yoke. Then, the same cotton print of abstract roses in black, green yellow and pink is the base of the dress and is overlaid with pale green silk organza that softens the boldness of the print. This organza then has black, white and rose sequins highlighting some of the abstract roses. The fit is very 50s with a darted bodice with wide open neckline and full flared skirt. Closes with a side metal zipper. 
David Hart. Inc. is a bit mysterious. This company seems to have specialized in rather  interesting party dresses with a lot of detail or tricky design features. France s pepper was a high end boutique in Jackson Miss  form approx 1946  - 1992.

Labels: David Hart Inc. and Frances Pepper Jackson, Miss.

Size: Bust: 36”, Waist: 26", Hips: full, Shoulder to Waist: 15“, Waist to Hem: 25", Hem Sweep: full circle

Condition: Excellent, Freshly cleaned with no spots, stains or holes.   

Price: $175 
 

Order #D2143
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Vintage 1950s Red Crepe Day Dress by Jonathan Logan    

NEW LISTING  This red crepe Jonathan Logan dress from the 1950s has a slim bodice with button front and a stand collar with decorative turn backs. These are held down with a black rhinestones button. The bodice has kimono cut sleeves in a Ύ dolman style. The flared skirt has faux pocket bands with gathered skirt panels for additional fullness. Side metal zipper to close. We show a basic modern black belt with this. A period red one will be included, but it is not original.  

Label: Jonathan Logan 

Size: Bust: 32" , Waist: 23", Hips: Full, Shoulders: approx. 13.5”, CB Neck to Waist: 16.25”, Waist to Hem: 29”, Hem Sweep: 88”.

Condition: Excellent, no spots, stains or holes.  

Price: $95 


Order #MB336
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1950s Striped Wool in Cream and Brown Vintage Suit by Irene
Sz LG


This wonderful early 50s striped wool suit  has the Irene hallmarks of mitered lapels and cuffs with beautifully placed darts and a set in corner dart at the front waist. And tiny welt pockets, too. The skirt has a back kick plate with a floating panel behind it , another Irene technique. The jacket is fully lined in cream crepe de chine and the skirt is half lined with a side metal zipper. A wonderful suit by a premier designer in a rare large size.

Labels: Irene Marshall Field & Co 28 Shop

Size: Bust: 40" , Waist  32, Shoulder: 16“, Sleeves, 21 1/2",
CB Neck to Waist: 16", CB Neck to Hem: 26 1/2"
Skirt:  Waist: 30", Hips: 40”, Waist to Hem: 27", Hem Sweep: 42”    

Condition: No stains, one rewoven area on the outer sleeve as shown in close up. The jacket has been let out beautifully - this is only noticeable in the lining were there are light needle marks. I suspect the skirt was let out as well.  

Price: $350


Order #D2103
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Vintage 1940s Blue Rayon Bow Print Dress  SZ M/L

This navy blue 1940s dress has white bows with green center dots in a random pattern which we think is charming. The dress has shoulder shirring, pleated sleeve caps, a button front with navy plastic buttons, gored skirt and a self belt with covered buckle.

Label - none, appears home sewn but with skill. The belt has no lining to cover the backing.  

Size: Bust: 41", Waist: 32", Hips: 43", Shoulders: 15", CB Neck to Waist:15", Waist to Hem: 27", Hem Sweep: 64"  

Condition: Excellent. Freshly cleaned, no spots or stains.   

Price: $95


Order #D2102
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Vintage 1940s Early Acetate Knit Dress in Red Paisley Print  SZ M/L

This grandly scaled paisley print is  fabulous in a red, grey, white and gold color way. The fabric is the early rayon acetate knit that you see coming on in the 40s. This WWII era day dress has a surplice front with glass and metal buttons, sleeve headers for shoulder emphasis, a shirred  yoke line at the front, and a flared skirt with  vertical pin tucks to simulate many gores. There is a self belt with covered buckle and a side metal zipper to close.  

Label - none. Home sewn, and well done.  

Size: Bust: 39", Waist: 30", Hips: 42", Shoulders: 14", CB Neck to Waist; 15 1/2", Waist to Hem: 26", Hem Sweep: 84"   

Condition: Excellent. Freshly cleaned. Buckle belt has a tiny worn corner.

Price: $95


Order #D2101

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1940s NY Creation Beaded Black Crepe Dress Nice Size

We were excited to find a small treasure trove of nicely size 1940s dresses recently. This one is a black rayon crepe with beaded and studded bodice and a modified sweetheart neckline. The sleeves have darted headers and shirred elbows and the dress still has its self belt! The closures are hook and eyes at the side and covered ball buttons at the back neck.

Label: Lady Graceful and A New York Creation

Size: Bust: 42",Waist: 30", Hips: 40", Shoulders: 14", Sleeves: 19",
CB Neck to Waist: 15", Waist to Hem: 25", Hem Sweep: 68"

Condition: Excellent. Clean , no spots, stains or holes.

Price: $155


Order #D2100
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1940s Peach Rayon Crepe Dress with Lace Sleeves

I do love a 1940s crepe dress. This mid decade dress one is a great peach/pink color in a good wearable size. The shoulders are lightly padded, while the bodice has shoulder flanges, a square neckline, heavy lace sleeves, a nifty asymmetric over skirt and shirred swag at the side front and a side metal zipper. The belt is original, too.

Label - none.

Size:  Bust: 40" , Waist: 32" , Hips: 47" , Shoulders: 15"  , CB Neck to Waist: 14 1/2" ,
Waist to Hem: 27" , Hem circumference: 52" 

Condition: Dress is Very Good, with water rings at the center back neckline. Dress has been dry-cleaned. No other spots, stains or holes. The fabric covered belt buckle is intact, but has some soiling as shown. 

Price: $115 


Order #D2098
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1950s Nude Tone Textured Satin Halter Neck Party Dress

This color is impossible to describe! Nude tone? Peachy Pink? Pale Reach Rose? The fabric is easier: a textured satin, and most likely a synthetic. The style is great. You cannot go wrong with a 1950 halter dress. This one has a tailored collar and neck band with sweetheart neckline. The fitted bodice is darted and the flared skirt  is quite long. Depending on your height, it is ballet, ankle or full length. I think this would be great with a wide accent belt in a contrast pop of color. 
 
Label: none

Size:  Bust: 34"  Waist: 27" ,  Hips: full,  CB Neck to Waist in front: 21",
Waist to Hem: 37" , Hem Sweep: 154"

Condition: Excellent. Clean , no spots,  stains or holes. 

Price: $175 


Order #D2082
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1950s New Look Cotton Multi-Color Print Dress in Summer Colors

This is great! Some of the neatest mid level American fashions of the 50s came out of California. And I love summer dresses with matching shrugs. Perfect for hot days and air conditioned spaces. This cotton dress has a crossover bust line with a bit of draping, wide straps, and a fitted torso. The skirt hangs from the dropped yoke line and has a narrow gathered tier, then a deep gathered skirt. The shrug or bolero jacket is in matching cotton and lined in a solid light green. It is cut kimono style. Center back metal zipper closure.   

 Label: Jeanette Alexander of California

Size:  Bust: 34 1/2", Waist: 25", Hips: 42", Shoulders approx. 15 1/2", Shoulder to Waist: 16 1/2", Shoulder to Hem: 45", Hem Sweep: 106"

Condition: Excellent. No holes, spots or stains. Freshly cleaned and crisp.   

Price:$95
Late 1940s  - Early 50s Navy Blue Wool Gab Suit

Order #2067

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Late 1940s - Early 50s Navy Blue Wool Gab Suit- Larger Size

This 1948 - 1954 post war ladies suit is very stylish and for the larger figure. The jacket has the deep armscye and padded shoulders of the period, with a great multi flap pocket details, bound buttons holes and a crepe lining. The five panel, walking skirt has a small front slit vent and a side metal zipper. The buttons are navy with gold.

Label: none

Size: Jacket: Bust: 42" Waist: 34" Shoulders: approx. 17 1/2" Sleeves: approx. 24 1/2" CB Neck to Hem: 24"
Skirt: Waist: 32" Hips: 48" Waist to Hem: 29 1/2" Hem circumference: 52"

Condition: Excellent. Clean, no spots or stains,  ready to wear.

Price: $150
1940s Black Velvet Evening Cape with Great Shoulders
1940s Black Velvet Evening Cape with Great Shoulders

Dramatic. Look at those shoulders! This early 1940s, possibly late 1930s  black rayon velvet  cape is lined in cream taffeta. The shoulder emphasis is great, but there are no shoulder pads. The collar and decorative shoulder bands are also the velvet with multiple rows of top stitching.Both are stiffened as well. The cape closes at the front with a period silver tone clasp with red rhinestones. There are arm slits at the side fronts.

Label: none

Size: Bust: up to 38" with lots of ease, Shoulders: approx.15" to 16",  CB Neck to 48", Hem Sweep: 72"

Condition: Excellent. Very few signs of wear, the nap is good, there is one small hole covered by the clasp. It appears the side back seams may have been re-stitched at some point as I see a few needle marks along them. 

Price: $95 
1950s Navy Blue Wool Davidow Fitted Suit
Feminine 1950s Navy Blue Wool Davidow Fitted Suit  

This is one of the earlier Davidow suits we have offered. Today, we usually see the straighter 1960s suits. This is a beautifully made ( but Davidows always were) suit in a deep navy blue wool. The flared skirt is pleated all around in graduated box pleats. Lovely. I must say, my mother has a very similar suit from 1953-4, so I think we can say mid 1950s on the date. The fitted jacket has small shoulder pads, 3/4" sleeves with cuffs, a spiffy shaped hem, and bound button holes. The jacket is fully lined in navy crepe, while the skirt is partially lined with a side metal zipper.  Not only is this a Davidow, but it carries the Blum's Vogue store label, a very pricey  ladies shop on Chicago's "Magnificent Mile".  

Labels: Davidow and  Blum's Vogue Chicago

Size:  Jacket: Bust: 38" Waist: 29", Shoulders: 15", Sleeves: 29", CB Neck to Hem: 16 1/2". CB Neck to Hem : 19"
Skirt: Waist: 27", Hips: Full, Waist to Hem: 28", Hem Sweep: 120"

Condition: Excellent. No spots, no holes, no stains. Very Fresh and ready to wear.   

Price: $165
1950 Traina-Norell Black Silk Shirtwaist Dress

It was a red letter day when we acquired a Jacques Fath and a Traina-Norell on the same day. This c.1949 - 1950 silk crepe de chine dress is in the shirtwaist style with lovely smocking at the yoke and hip line. The big, statement buttons, so typical of Norell, are mother of pearl with bound buttonholes. The skirt is full and long in the early 50s style. There are small shoulder pads. We show this over a mall crinoline, but it would take a larger one. The long sleeves are gathered and cuffed. And let me say, this is beautifully made. Norman Norell was one of the great American designer and his commitment to impeccable construction was well known.

Labels: Traina-Norell New York and Neiman-Marcus

Size: Bust: 40", Waist: 26", Hips: Full, Shoulders: 15" Sleeves: 24" CB Neck to Waist: 18" Waist to Hem: 31", Hem Sweep: 122"

Condition: Excellent. No spots, holes or signs of wear. Thread belt loops have been removed and there is no belt. We show it with a modern belt that will be included if desired.

Price: $270
1950s Royal Blue Embroidered Silk Chinese Robe

Order #O364

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Stunning 1950s Royal Blue Silk Brilliantly Embroidered Chinese Robe

Gorgeous color on this robe, yes? Deep royal blue silk /rayon satin with brilliantly colored embroidered roundels and motifs in the classic Chinese style. Most likely a post war piece, this was made for the western market as evidenced by the English language label. The hand embroidered motifs include dragons and pheasants. The sleeve and front facings are true white and the piping and frogs a bright yellow.  It's lined in blue china silk.

Label: Bai Hua Made in China 25% Silk 75 % Rayon
 
Size: labeled M. Bust: 42" Hips: 46",Shoulders: approx. 18" Sleeves: approx. 16" CB Neck to Hem: 41" Hem Sweep: 58"

Condition: Excellent but for the drip spots on one cuff as shown. 

Price: $195
1950s Pink Chiffon Cocktial Dress

Order #D2003
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Lovely Draped Shell Pink Silk Chiffon 1950s Dress  

This 1950s wearable size soft shell pink silk chiffon dress has a softly draped bodice with shirring an throughout, a sweetheart neckline and draped cap sleeves. The straight skirt is chiffon over taffeta with gathered floating panels of silk chiffon at the back only. How pretty. The dress is lined in pink china silk and  although unlabeled, very well made.
Closes at the back with a metal zipper.   

Labels: none

Size: Bust:38" Waist: 32" Hips: 41" Shoulder to Waist: 17",Waist to Hem: 25 1/2" Hem circumference: 42"

Condition: Excellent. Ready to wear.

Price: $125


Order #D1978

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Amazing c. 1959 - 1961 Howard Greer Custom Beaded Red Silk Cocktail Dress

Howard Greer designed some wonderful dresses for film and fashion, didn't he? We have only handled 2 or 3 of these since the 90s. There just aren't that many out there. For more information on his career: Howard Greer. And this one is stunning. The bodice is red silk chiffon and the skirt is tissue faille. Both are beaded allover with red bugles. The under bodice is the red faille with a solid beaded band along the neckline. The dress closes center back with a handset coil zipper and  hooks.  It's a beautifully made dress and quite a eye catching example of Greer's work. His dresses carried two labels - the Beverly Hills label and this one, the Custom Original label.

Labels:Howard Greer Custom Original and Marshall Field & Company 28 Shop

Size:Dress: Bust:34" Waist: 26" Hips: 42" Shoulder to Waist: 15" Waist to Hem: 27" Hem circumference: 37".

Condition:No missing beads, no holes, one faint spot on skirt. Beads on hem allowance are missing.

Price: $675

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