|
|
Vintage Meyers Lizard and Snakeskin Pouch Clutch Bag
Catalogue:
Archives:
Collectibles:
Memorabilia:
Pre 1950 item# 691129
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
Free U.S. Priority Shipping
(& Gift-Wrap if Desired)
|
You could pay thousands for a new reptile bag -- but why not spend far less? Here's today's trendiest purse shape, the oversized clutch, styled by the esteemed maker Meyers in an exotic combination of lizard and snakeskin. This is a very glamorous and tactile bag with loads of life left in it. It's also spacious enough to be genuinely useful, measuring 11 1/2 inches wide and 8 inches tall. It even has a convenient 43-inch shoulder strap of smooth leather with brass fittings that you can use when you want your hands free.
Vintage soft-sided and gathered reptile bags are seldom found in any condition, let alone this good. These skins are in amazing condition, supple and gleaming, with very little wear. In luscious mahogany brown with strong overtones of cordovan or burgundy, the bag is lined in matching smooth leather and has a faille-lined zip pocket sporting the maker's plaque that reads "Meyers USA". The interior is perfectly clean and undamaged, free of the typical pen marks and lipstick marks, and the snap fastener closes securely. It can't have been used much. I expect it dates from the 1940s or possibly the early 1950s and it reached us from a Texas estate. Meyers handbags, as you know, are among the most collectible, so you'll be very proud to carry this stunning example.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, request more photos or order. Thanks for looking!
|
|
1980s Neiman-Marcus Big Red Italian Leather Clutch Bag
Catalogue:
Archives:
Collectibles:
Nostalgia:
Pre 1990 item# 558812
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
|
A luxurious collectors' purse both ladylike and businesslike, this vintage fold-over clutch was fashioned in Italy for America's most famous upscale retailer. It's of soft, supple leather throughout: scarlet red outside and black within. It must have been extremely expensive when new, and it's so clean now that it appears never to have been carried.
Measuring a spacious 12" x 12", it folds to 12" by 8" and has a top zipper closure with a pretty golden-colored pull. The fold-over design was originally created to hold a lady's gloves in the top section, so these are often called "glove bags". Today that part of the bag will be perfect for keeping a cell phone and other small electronic items quickly accessible.
Most likely dating would be 1980s, since this sleek shape was quite popular then, and provenance is a Midwestern estate. Inner tags read "Neiman Marcus" (one name on each side) and "Genuine Leather Made in Italy". A few teensy scuffs on the edge piping of one side seem to be from storage, rather than use, and will cover easily when you give the bag a polish. Similarly, storage produced a few creases, which aren't considered a "flaw" but typical and age-appropriate for such soft, high-quality leather. Their appearance should lessen as the bag is used, instead of kept in one position.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
Antique Victorian Long White Lacy Nightgown Medium
Catalogue:
Archives:
Collectibles:
Nostalgia:
Pre 1900 item# 558198
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you! $155.
|
As I noted when listing another antique English gown yesterday, if you haven't slept in a Victorian or Edwardian nightie yet, you're in for a thrill. The quality of antique cotton fabric is like nothing we can buy new anywhere today, no matter how expensive. Its touch makes sleeping in it one of life's loveliest luxuries. In case you didn't see that other listing already, I also mentioned the "romance" side. This sort of gown has done me a lot more good through the years than Frederick's of Hollywood.
This particular one is even finer than the other: heavier and older. It's also longer (about 51 inches compared to 49), so a better choice if you're tall. Here we also have more room at the shoulders (18 inches compared to 14.5) and the bust (40 inches compared to 35).
Both gowns are still crisp and snowy white, detailed with exquisite pin-tucking and lace. Here the bodice and jabot-like front placket are lavished with both and the sleeves finish with lacy ruffles. If you look closely enough, you'll find the inevitable old repairs (under an arm, for instance, looking like little darts) and spots where the lace could use a few stitches. The seams are still very strong, though, and the only thing missing is the top button -- no great loss, since these high necks can be claustrophic. (I never button the top one, myself.) There may also have been elastic at the wrists; I can't tell for certain, so that isn't important. Among interesting details of construction, indicating great age, are the long gussets on both sides of the skirt, which can be pressed into inverted pleats, and the fact that it's simply voluminous -- using an enormous amount of fabric to be modestly covered-up. (The original owner must have been of the "lie down and think of England" school.)
It's amazing how well these gowns withstand a century and more of wear and laundering. In this case, even fabric on the button tops has held up well. BTW, you don't have to obsess with ironing antique nightgowns. They're wonderful when starched and pressed, but you're seeing this one straight out of the washing machine after air-drying on a hanger overnight -- photographed against the backdrop of a quilt made by my grandmother (not included, of course).
Thanks for looking!
|
|
Fabulous Vintage Hand-Woven Wool Wrap Cape
Catalogue:
Archives:
Collectibles:
Memorabilia:
Pre 1980 item# 557193
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you! $140.
|
From Origins in Santa Fe, arguably the finest fashion shop in town, this exquisitely crafted cape is woven of heathery pink and gray wools and finished with elaborately tied, deep fringes like psychedelic spiderwebs. Sized to fit everyone, it's voluminous and long, but drapes very gracefully. In fact, it's so finely woven you could belt it. Although the cape feels light as air when worn, it's plenty warm enough for fall and spring.
Origins, in case you haven't seen it, stocks only one-of-a-kind and unusual, limited edition clothing and accessories. It's a favorite stop for film stars and wealthy tourists. We locals splurge there occasionally, as I did when choosing this as a gift for my mother in the late 1970s. It's still like new, because she wore it only a few times and I've had it stored away since her death in 1990. (It's the wrong shade of pink for me, so I've finally decided it deserves a new life outside the cedar chest.)
Comparable new capes sell now in the $400-$500 range in Santa Fe, so our price is a great bargain. I paid more than this for it, 25 years ago.
Thanks for looking!
|
|
c 1900 Black Silk Purse on Exquisite Art Nouveau Frame
Catalogue:
Archives:
Collectibles:
Nostalgia:
Pre 1910 item# 536002
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
|
This delightful hand-made bag from the Late Victorian or Edwardian era features some of the prettiest hardware I've ever seen. Its gilt brass frame is beautifully detailed not only on the front and back, but even on the top edges. It also has a push-in latch of floral form and a *very* Art Nouveau pull ring.
Overall, this treasure is in outstanding condition, as you see. Even the lining is not only undamaged but hardly stained at all. Size is fairly spacious: flaring to 8 inches wide at the bottom from 4 1/2 inches at the top. Height, not counting the clasp or chain, is 5 1/2 inches. That the chain is attached diagonally signifies great age (and also makes a lot of sense to avoid spilling things). The bag's original chain was utilitarian, covered with worn fabric, so we replaced it with a fancy chain of the same length -- about 12 inches -- and the same era. It came from old store stock, so is pristine but rich with time's patina. The plain white metal chain will be included, in case you'd prefer to cover and use it. You might also - if handier with a needle than I - replace a few clumsy stitches taken inside at some point to secure the lining and fix a couple of teensy holes in the fine black fabric. These are very minor flaws, which suggest this was a mourning bag, used only briefly by the first owner and then carefully stored. Unlike mourning jewels, most of which strike me as gruesome, the black bags of the past perfectly complement our Little Black Dresses.
Thanks for looking!
|
|
Vintage Blue Party Dress Rhinestone Belt 1930s
Catalogue:
Archives:
Collectibles:
Nostalgia:
Pre 1940 item# 403513
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
|
Besides being a luscious color, this antique ballerina-length dress from England has a wonderfully flattering shape. Cut mainly on the diagonal, it flows easily over the body and its wide skirt and the lacy bell sleeves flutter gracefully. There are many elegant "dressmaker" details, too, both front and back (which are hard to capture in photographs). I'm no specialist in textiles, so can't identify the fabric, but it's woven in a shadow stripe, blue-on-blue, and has a beautiful drape. There's a matching fabric belt with a gorgeous rhinestone two-part buckle that's a work of art valuable in itself.
The waist-skimming princess style of the dress makes it very forgiving, size-wise. It would look good on anyone from a size 2 to around 8, simply fitting more loosely if you're smaller. (I've worn it on a couple of special occasions and it didn't swallow me, although I'm a 2; the belt just settled at the hipbone, rather than my waist.) Actual measurements are about 36 inches at the bust, 32 inches at the waist, 17 inches at the shoulders and 48 inches in total length. The belt is currently 28 inches long, but can be shortened with just a few stitches, if you want a tighter fit.
Blue, as you know, is fashion's favorite color this year, so there couldn't be a better time to choose this beauty. While understated enough for a daytime wedding, it's also dressy enough for a prom or any evening occasion that doesn't require a full-length formal gown. Condition is lovely, with no problems I've noticed.
Thanks for looking!
|
|
Rare Maundy Money Coin Charms - Victorian
Catalogue:
Archives:
Collectibles:
Numismatics:
Pre 1900 item# 154061
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
|
Since the time of Edward I, who reigned from 1272 to 1307, English monarchs have observed Maundy (or Maunday) Thursday - the day before Good Friday - by distributing specially struck fine silver coins (Maundy Money) and other gifts to the "Deserving Poor" in a major cathedral service. The term "Maundy" derives, like "mandatory," from the Latin "mandatum" - meaning command. It refers to the commandment, "Love one another," expressed by Jesus at the Last Supper when he washed disciples' feet. According to my research, James II was the last monarch who actually did it that, too.
Our array of Victorian Maundy coins - drilled long ago for wear as charms or pendants - includes a dozen examples, all from the Early Victorian period. Five date from the first full year of her reign (1838), five from 1843, one from 1848 and one from 1862. The monarch's portrait - a youthful likeness - appears on the front of each and, on reverse, the denomination is represented in the style still currrent, showing the number beneath a crown.
The number of Maundy Money sets produced each year varied with the monarch's age. For instance, Victoria was only 18 at Easter in 1838, so she honored 18 worthy recipients - each receiving 4 coins of different values. Thus, since we have five of the 2 pence coins minted that year, there should be only 13 more of these anywhere in existence. The rarity of our five 1843 coins (all denominated 1 1/2 pence) is almost as extreme, since she was then just 23.
Our Victorian coins are estate items recently discovered during a house clearance in northern England - also the source of our 4 Georgian and 8 James II examples.
|
|
Rare Maundy Money Coin Charms - James II
Catalogue:
Archives:
Collectibles:
Numismatics:
Pre 1700 item# 154035
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
|
Since the time of Edward I, who reigned from 1272 to 1307, English monarchs have observed Maundy (or Maunday) Thursday - the day before Good Friday - by distributing specially struck fine silver coins (Maundy Money) and other gifts to the "Deserving Poor" in a major cathedral service. The term "Maundy" derives, like "mandatory," from the Latin "mandatum" - meaning command. It refers to the commandment, "Love one another," expressed by Jesus at the Last Supper when he washed disciples' feet. According to my research, James II was the last monarch who actually did it. No less an observer than Samuel Pepys wrote with shock that James' successor turned that noble function over to one of his courtiers.
Our array of these coins - drilled long ago for wear as charms or pendants - includes at least one example from each year of his short reign: a threepence from 1685, four fourpence (groat) coins from 1686, a threepence and a fourpence from 1687 and a fourpence from 1688. The monarch's portrait appears on the front of each and, on reverse, the denomination is represented by varying numbers of the letter "I" (for Jacobus; in Latin Iacobus).
The number of Maundy Money sets produced each year varied with the monarch's age. For instance, James II was 54 at Easter in 1687, so he honored 54 worthy recipients - each receiving 4 coins, 1 of every denomination from one penny to four. Thus, a total of 214 coins of each denomination were struck during his four-year reign, when he was at the ages 52 through 55. That would be just 856 coins, all told. Of those we have 8, so there are only 848 more anywhere in existence.
Our examples are estate items recently discovered during a house clearance in northern England - also the source of our 4 Georgian and 12 Victorian Maundy coin charms. Please e-mail for further information and photographs.
|
|
Rare English Gilded & Pierced Parchment Leaf Fan
Catalogue:
Archives:
Collectibles:
Pre 1900 item# 120140
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you!
|
This breathtaking 14-leaf antique fan appears to be of parchment cut into ornate feather-like shapes that were intricately pierced for a lacy effect and further embellished with gilding and penwork. It's clearly hand-made, perhaps by a lady for her own use or as a spectacular gift for someone dear. Fans of this period were often gifts to brides.
I know little about folding fans, but have been told this piece is probably early 19th century Victorian, based on its style and large size. Despite great age, its black-lacquered sticks are intact and well-secured by what appears to be original cord of a pale color matching the leaves. Gilding remains bright and parchment shows only very minor wear, mainly small areas of discoloration on the back. Measuring about 10 1/2" tall and opening to about 19", the fan was acquired by its prior owner about 10 years ago from an English antiques dealer near Cambridge. I've never seen anything remotely like this. If you have, please tell me more!
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift wrap is always free if desired.
Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos.
|
|
c1950 Vintage Beaded Black Bag w/Rhinestones & Sequins
Catalogue:
Archives:
Collectibles:
Nostalgia:
Pre 1970 item# 117610
|
click for details
|
GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
Sold; thank you! $125.
|
This black satin dazzler from England is in lovely condition, almost as if never used. Quite spacious, it measures about 8 3/4" x 5", so is big enough to be truly useful. The sequins have a wonderful aurora borealis quality, with shifting tones of rose, gold and midnight blue, and even the base, sides and 12" handle are jeweled. The moire fabric inside is pristine and there's a zip section for security, as well as good strong snap marked "Newey Pat 201430-22". The only flaw I've found is the absence of a few teensy beads on the base and two sequins on the handle, losses that are extremely hard to notice and easy to repair if they bother you.
Probable dating for this bag would be the early 1950s, based on the AB rhinestones (which weren't introduced until then) and the EMPIRE MADE label inside. While I'm not sure exactly when this designation were in use, it's been a lonnng time since England thought of itself in those terms. Empires pretty much went "out" with World War II.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
|
|
|
|
|
