Tag Archives: Victorian

Uh, oh. I just have to show you this stash of clues . . . . . . . . . .

We’ll leave the Victoriana after today, I promise, but what an intriguing cache of “stuff” I just unpacked! This lot includes souvenirs (Philadelphia Mint 1832, Wiesbaden), charms for good attendance at school or church, a double-sided locket, a little basket carved out of a seed (for a child or in remembrance of a stroll with a sweetheart?), what remains of someone’s mourning pin, the decorative tops of a couple of matching hatpins, a pretty butterfly pin, a couple of clips for pocket or office(?), silver sewing thimbles, a doll’s scissors and, the most mysterious to me, the two items at top right in the first photograph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The ivory die, broken on one side, (which clearly is the one that Uncle Thaddeus used when he lost the poker match and subsequently murdered Ebenezer) – and, better yet, the little ivory Geisha girl charm with a hidden compartment. Perfect for carrying your daily dose of homeopathic globules, as prescribed by the doctor, OR a deadly poison. Can you imagine the value of discovering one of these at the scene of an investigation? Wardrobe accessories and pocket or purse contents are often much more than fashion statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEFORE WE LEAVE THE VICTORIAN ERA, THE FUSSY DECOR WOULD NOT BE COMPLETE WITHOUT ORNATE LITTLE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHS

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

PLUSH VELVET-COVERED VICTORIAN JEWEL BOX FOR A LADY’S VANITY TABLE

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

MORE FROM THE VICTORIAN ARCHIVE – A MOURNING BROOCH AND NECKLACE

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

A SMALL TROVE OF ANTIQUE JEWELRY PIECES FROM THE FAMILY ESTATE

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

OKAY, LET’S GO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT (AGAIN) FOR ANOTHER 1960’S WEDDING(?)

Now we’re Prairie – Victorian, or some combination of the 1800s. Empire waistlines were in style earlier in that century and high necklines with tight sleeves mostly in the 1890’s. The late 1960’s and early 1970’s fell in love with the 1800’s fashion. Think early Gunne Sax. This was especially true for white cotton lingerie undergarments, sleepwear and casual clothing but also spilled over into some day dresses and formals. In this case, a white structured gown was likely meant for a wedding or, at the least, some kind of formal occasion

This one is all 20th century fad fashion, with a zip up the back and polyester fabric. But, it was fun while the trend lasted. Not the best disguise, however, unless you’re in the theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NOW, AS WE HEAD INTO THE LATE 1960’S, THE CHANGES IN WEDDING STYLE ARE WELL-ROOTED

This is where we step into Boho/Prairie/Victorian/Edwardian-style territory, which held on for almost 10 years. Although there are some general similarities between this dress and the one shown yesterday, they are completely different. Let’s compare – aside from the white color, lace and good tailoring (it’s got a full lining and a good cut), this cotton blend dress is perfectly casual. No real Princess deal going on here. But, it’s not full-on hippie style, either. It could easily be wedding/Prom/patio party of that time, when mainstream fashion was trying to be rebellious of the status quo but not always succeeding.

Although haute couture always tries, it was not an elegant era; However, a very successful way to blend into the crowd, which is a valuable asset to the sleuthing trade. A garment like this is quite useful to keep handy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE VICTORIAN/PRAIRIE-STYLE GOWN FROM THE ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE VICTORIAN/PRAIRIE-STYLE GOWN FROM THE '60'S

Still for cooler weather, but a pretty, peachy color.  It’s hard for me to classify this dress. It’s kind of a hybrid style with an unclear purpose. Part Boho prairie, part Victorian lady, part Prom dress, part hostess gown. Got me!

The prairie-style and long Victorian/Edwardian-style dresses became really popular again in the late Sixties and early Seventies; plus the construction and materials give lots of clues to it’s original era.

Made of a heavy nylon-feeling fabric and has an embroidered makers’ tag. Never seen anything quite like it, but I was intrigued.

Could even be a Spring party dress! Good idea . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:   MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A 1980’S GUNNE SAX PARTY DRESS DISCOVERY

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Stella’s ready for the party in a retro Prairie/Victorian style from designer Jessica McClintock, made in the 1980’s with dark green crushed velvet (so perfect with Stella’s new holiday haircolor) and a lacey bodice.  Fitted styling completes the picture of a feminine design which gives a nod to history.

Gunne Sax early dresses, before the 1990’s, were very interesting and unique.  I always pick one up when I find it – becoming more and more rare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER LATE 1960’S RETRO STYLE – VICTORIAN REVIVAL

Stella does true justice to this great find, which fits her perfectly. So late 1960’s but with an unusual 1940’s – 1950’s zipper, which tells me that it was custom-made.

Not my style, but I love finding such well-preserved dresses from iconic times like the hippie – prairie craze that went on from about 1967 – 1971. Wait till you see the next one . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM