Victorian photographs were not generally the most uplifting of images, though they can be wonderful clues. I have used them as reference from time to time and do like the two dandies in their high hats, who seem to have a bit of a sense of humor. All that heavy, heavy clothing – can you imagine?
We’re talking mid-1800’s to about 1900 here. Lots more to come, and all in the Twentieth Century. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
My great-great grandmother’s jewelry box. Unfortunately, one of the flasks for perfume or cologne (often called toilet water back in the day, but I hesitate to use that term now) was lost or broken. However, this vanity accessory is in great shape. The true color is a more bluish cranberry red. The square-shaped tray in the center lifts up to reveal another compartment below.
This piece is large – about 14″ wide by 7″ deep and 6″ high. Completely covered in velvet with satin liner. However, the Victorian tendency to over-embellishment and wastefulness in design is evident. The darn thing is heavy and holds very little jewelry. You see on top formed places for a bracelet or two and a few rings plus necklaces or pins at the side. Down below there’s a little more room, but not a lot. The spaces below where the bottles sit are inaccessible and don’t hold anything. This would never be practical for modern women of our lifetime. However, we must admit that the tendency to over-accumulate stuff is something that the post-war generations after World War II have to own. I’m sure that great-great grandma was thrilled with this. But then, she wasn’t a sleuth, to the best of my knowledge.
Think of the hidden compartments which could have been installed . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
After several tries, here’s a good close-up view of this Victorian to Edwardian era mourning jewelry from the late 1800’s to very early 1900’s. Commonly worn after the deaths of close family members, this type of jewelry was usually set with onyx, obsidian, black glass or jet stones. The blank portrait area on the pendant is the aspect I find most ominous. So very glad that this morbid tradition has, for the most part been abandoned, at least in the United States.
The brief wearing of black armbands is less concerning and it is good that, in some cases, people who are recovering from a serious loss can be identified and respected. Though it could come in very handy as an element of disguise, I’m not likely ever to use it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Sorry not to be able to edit this photo. I think you can see what I’ll describe, from the top down, left to right. At top, a couple of gold-tone collar bars. Maybe men’s, but not sure. These could be from any time up to the 1920’s – not sure. At the left is a chain to hold a watch or other chatelaine such as the powder compact shown yesterday. A couple pairs of earrings – one clip-on and one screw-back. Below that is a pair of cufflinks. They are so delicate that I can’t tell which gender wore them. Below that are a couple of pendants – a cameo and one containing a small chunk of coral. Last is a small slide set with tiny pearl decoration. It is meant to wear on a neck chain – there are two holes in it for the chain to go through and it slides up and down.
Jewelry like this was commonly worn during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, late 1800’s to early 1900’s. Sorry I don’t have a camera that can take clear photos of small items like this and that WordPress doesn’t offer a better photo editing tool. However, I’m very grateful for the resources that I have because they’re great! Stay tuned for more true vintage jewelry and accessories. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is really special – it comes from my family. Can’t say which of the grannies or aunties it belonged to, but one of them carried it before the 1930’s. Can you imagine – it still contains some of the powder and rouge that she used!
It’s a pretty messy deal, but you can see that there is an attractive little lever to hold one of the powder puffs in place, no doubt to prevent the two powders from mixing. Well, good luck on that, but I guess it worked well enough.
On top of that, the compact then fastened on to a clip somewhere on her belt or pocket or in a purse. Powdering one’s nose was an important beauty ritual for women at least until the end of the mid-century. They must have sprinkled cosmetic across the entire world. Take care, damsels of intrigue. If a clever investigator could suss out the exact shade and formulation of the evidence left behind, s/he might be on your trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These black crepe coats are so fun and individual – I really love wearing them! While not being fully antique, they are earlier examples from the ’30’s & ’40’s. One may be from the early ’50’s . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .
On the far left, the characteristic feature of this one are the shoulder tails, which are folded across the front in this picture. It also has a deep slit in the back hem – almost a long jacket, rather than a coat.
In the center is a rather plain, tailored black crepe coat, but you can see the scalloped hems on the sleeves. Perfectly elegant and discreet.
On the right, a plain, one – button front crepe coat with ivory lining, deep side slits and mink cuffs at the elbows. Hardly inconspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fun and interesting mid-century and antique table and bed linens often show up during my investigations. The prints are humorous, colorful and pretty. Modern copycats can’t come close! If there is handwork like embroidery or lace, it’s beautiful. I collect them, too. The mending and stain removal that is sometimes required is no big deal and anything with too much damage can be made into pillow covers and cloth napkins. I love using these things at home in my kitchen and bedroom, but there’s more . . . . . . . . . . .
Big pieces of fabric are also wonderful made into clothing and accessories. Trim can sometimes be added to other garments or a big piece of crocheted or tatted lace makes a beautiful dress or blouse. Can’t you just imagine this cloth made into a summer dress, skirt or blouse, maybe with a matching handbag? Can’t wait to use this cute tablecloth!
Potential vintage fashion treasures abound everywhere! Use your imagination and you never know what you may uncover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I knew as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a perfect match – AND IT IS!!!! Can you believe it – my grandmother’s 1940’s seal cape passed down to me, now with a matching hat. A professional furrier could probably see the difference somewhere, but it surely isn’t obvious. I’ve loved this cape for years.
The hat is a quasi-military shape, which was popular during war-time. The fur on both is absolutely beautiful and has held up so well over all these years. I always love the 1940’s square shoulders, too, and the family connection makes the cape special. What a treat to find a piece to go with it!!!
Although you know that I am an animal protection activist and don’t support the fur trade in any way, shape or form, I do love old pieces pre-1965. There’s no reason in the world to buy modern fur anymore – if you want a new piece, the imitations are fabulous (even beginning in the 1950’s).
Go out and find one and have fun – toot, to-doot, to-doodley-aht-to-doot – he blows eight to the bar (in boogie rhythm . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
What a huge surprise to
discover this little gem! It’s a 
capelet that may be from Victorian or 
Edwardian times – maybe someone planned to take it on the Titanic voyage!!! (From the looks of it, maybe it went on the Titanic voyage). It’s so old that many theories and stories about it’s history could be possible. Some woman wore this covering her shoulders over a dress. It might have been an evening gown, a day-dress or mourning dress – maybe a costume specialist could tell.
Manufactured trim with antique beads is sewn around the neck and the hem of the capelet. So many hand-stitches!
As you can see, the outer layer of fabric is in tatters, but the black, silky lining is pristine. If the cape were flipped inside out, the beading trim removed and transferred to the other side with a replacement liner made it would be almost new again! Even though non-sewers might think so, it’s not a big job.
Just amazing. I haven’t decided whether I will want to restore it and wear it, sell it to another collector or donate it to a theater or museum. As always, it just goes to show that – you just never know . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Can hardly believe my good fortune – but then, I always say that though I really DO believe it. Here is a home-sewn rayon blouse from the late 1930’s to early 1940’s. The colors are a bit washed-out in the photograph, but are brilliant and glossy in reality. Someone made this pretty shirt with french cuffs and cute buttons from a glorious rayon fabric and guarded it carefully for 80 years!
The seamstress (or tailor) used machine and hand-stitching. Beautifully-done. The cuff buttons are hidden inside. Expert clothing-makers in the early 1900’s knew how to do things properly, even when sewing at home. It’s such a skill worth having!
As usual, I’ve started this segment of recent discoveries from the oldest up to the most recent so you will be seeing lots of mid-century treasures. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 