Textiles and Stuff 

This is a simple but attractive lady’s sun bonnet probably dating to the beginning of the 20th Century. It is made of a firm cotton in a pink shade and the main crown and the brim are stiffened with tucks containing narrow canes to give more form and shape. There are two tapes for tying under the chin and the crown is lined with white cotton. The back of the neck has a deep frill which is pleated and decorated with a large bow. The bonnet measures 22 inches (56 cms.) round the inside edge of the brim and 15.5 inches (39.5 cms.) round the neck edge. There are several dark marks on the bonnet and some of the canes are broken and just need some sections replacing, but otherwise it is complete and would be very suitable for a period event, enactment or theatrical performance

This is an beautiful antique shawl very finely machine-knitted in silk. It is oblong and has a design of flowers and leaves, with a fringe at both ends and is cream in colour. It is very light in weight. The shawl is large and measures 160 cms long and 125 cms wide ( 63 x 49 inches approximately). It is in very good condition for its age, but there are several small holes scattered over the area, some of which can be seen in the photographs, but these are unobtrusive and do not detract too much from the general appearance. This is an elegant shawl, very finely knitted, light and warm and would make a lovely addition to a period costume.

This is a vintage set of Naval insignia comprising a leather and braided dress belt with gilt brass buckle, two sets of shoulder epaulettes, brass buttons, and two sections of thick twisted gold braid, These formerly belonged to Rear Admiral Chisman (1870-1952), who was an engineering captain during WWI, reaching the rank of Rear Admiral before retiring. The insignia are in excellent condition - the only damage seems to be some small moth damage to the woollen epaulettes, which can be seen in the photographs.

This is a large example of a fan of the Art Deco era, principally the 1930s, with a silk leaf, hand painted in a design of bright flowers and a large butterfly, all highlighted in gold, backed with pale blue silk. The sticks are of cow bone and the metal loop is intact. The dark cream silk face has been stiffened before painting and the colours are bright and fresh. The fan measures just under 14 inches long and the face of the sticks is 1 1/4 inches at its widest point. and the fan fully extended measures 25 inches. There is some damage, there are splits in the silk on the back and front which can be seen in the photos, and some stains on the back lining some of which have affected the front slightly. However it is a beautiful fan and would be suitable for using with a Deco outfit or for drama, or for display on a wall. Postage is free in the UK, please contact me if you are an overseas customer.

This is a delightful large fan dating from the middle of the 19th Century, with bone sticks... The leaf itself is made of very fine Brussels bobbin lace in a design of flowers, leaves and swirls. The sections of stick that support the lace are of bone also. The fan measures 14 inches (38 cms.) long. Open, the fan measures 25 inches (63.5 cms.) across. The fan is in good condition but there are a couple of faults. The metal loop is missing and there is uniform soiling of the leaf due to use, but this can be remedied by a gentle clean, which I have not attempted. One of the folds is slightly out of place as can be seen in the close photo but this just needs some careful ironing to establish the crease. There are breaks in two of the sticks, one has been repaired with sewing and glue and the other left unrepaired. I have photographed it but does not show up well on the photo as it is very difficult to see. This is a very beautiful fan in a very large size, made of the finest lace. If you have any questions about this item, I am happy to answer them.

This is a Victorian pocket for a watch, dating from the second half of the 19th Century. It is in bead work embroidery, the main background is brown velvet and the beads are in several colours, white, grey, gold and silver. The design is a very traditional one, a vine with grapes. The pocket is edged with a floral design and there is a looped fringe. The pocket is lined and backed with brown silk and has a loop at the top for hanging. The pocket is in very good condition for its age and the only damage I can find is some wear in the lining on the back. A lovely addition to a collection of beadwork.

This is an attractive silk dress dating from the 1930s in a small green and white check fabric. It has a matching jacket with puff sleeves, white revers and a single button for fastening near the waist. The dress has short sleeves gathered at the shoulder and an insert of white silk on the bodice which is drawn up to form a square neckline, with a dark green ribbon. The skirt is full and cut on the straight at the front and back, but with large godets cut on the bias at the sides to give extra fullness and swirl. The measurements (measured flat) are Waist 26 inches Bust 32 inches Shoulder to waist 15 inches Shoulder to hem 56 inches The dress is in good condition, but there is some discolouration on the silk revers of the jacket.

This is collection of three Weldons Crochet Magazines, published I believe in the 1920s, 9because of the dress styles in the advertisements). They each comprise a collection of different projects with good pictures and comprehensive instructions for making them and were published monthly. The first magazine contains Laces with corners for teacloths, tea cosy cover, an triangular inserts and instructions for the stitches used, the second has different edgings, narrow laces and simple doyleys,with instructions for the stitches used, and the third edgings for cloths, bedspreads runners etc. The magazines show some wear and are rather yellow in colour but are intact and can certainly be used.

This is a small Victorian emery bag (used to clean needles before the days of stainless steel,by pushing them into it). Dating from the early 19th Century, it is made of dark pink velvet and has a silk calyx and tiny running stitches as seeds. It measures just 1 1/2 inch long (4 cms.). There is a small wire loop at the top to attach a ribbon. The silk calyx is a little worn but it is in good condition for its age. it is an attractive example of its type and would be an interesting addition to a collection.

This is a delightful child’s dress dating from the 1930s, in cream silk. It is sleeveless, with bound armholes. There are pintucks to shape the waist and also two embroidered small pockets on the bodice which are decorated with a tiny wreath of hand embroidered flowers. There is a long belt at the waist. The dress is loose fitting, the chest measurement is 34 inches (88 cms.) and the length from shoulder to hem is 22 inches (56 cms.). The dress is in excellent condition, the only fault being a tiny spot on the back which is hardly noticeable, very wearable and a typical example of 30s style for the collector.

This is a pair of vintage leather tap shoes dating from the 1930s. They are a size 37 and were purchased in Malasia at that time and bear the name of the retailer inside - Sun Soon Thye, 144, Campbell Street, Penang. They are made of black kid leather and are leather lined, with fabric laces with tiny tassels, and leather soled and heeled with metal tips. They have been worn and the wear can be seen in the photographs, but they are in great condition for their age and still wearable. A very interesting bit of history!

This is a lovely example of an antique Victorian String Box. It is made of a very heavy wood which could be lignum vitae or ebony and is of a beehive design with a removable lid which screws very slightly into the base. There is a hole at the side for the string, edged in a white substance, probably bone. It measures 5 1/2 inches high and 4 inches wide. It is in good condition, the only restorations are a new post to support the string and a small white knob replaced at the top. It is an attractive box and would be a good addition to a collection,