These are a few of my favorite things!  A trio of carved Mother of Peal buttons by Lady Washington Pearls, on their original paper card that were Made In the USA.  By observing the lady illustration, we can date these to the 1920s-1930s Art Deco era.  Her short wavy hairdo and the manner in which her buttons are arranged are tell tale signs.  I also enjoy that they are displayed in a suggestive manner that starts one’s mind moving.  Not only are they functional clothing fasteners they could also be a floral dress (or bag, or coat) decoration with the assistance of some embroidered stems and foliage.

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Measurements

Card measures 2.5 inches by 3 3/8 inches

Buttons are 7/8 of an inch in diameter   They are pictured above just a hair smaller than they truly are in reality.

Condition

Buttons are in mint condition with a few of the natural imperfections of things made from shell.  Card had dogeared corners and light wrinkling throughout.

Grade: Mint on Card

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An adorable, vintage two piece pajama pattern in size 18 by Simplicity.  I would date this to the late 194os based on hair and sleeve style.  Two piece, front buttoning pajama is made with a sweetheart neckline.  Shaped seams, self fabric ruffles, simulated yoke and a patch pocket.  Trousers are pleated in front and back and finished with a side buttoned waist band.  This pattern has an illustrated primer with instructions.  Pattern pieces have no printing on them whatsoever.  Just punched holes for markings.

Measurements

Size 18                   Bust 36″ Waist 30″ Hip 39″

Style 1 requires 4 1/8 yards on a 41″ wide bolt.

Style 2 requires 4 3/8 yards on a 41″ wide bolt.

Condition

UNCUT pattern was never used.  There is some wear to the envelope. but I think I was the first person to remove the contents while I was inspecting it.  Be the first to use this charming and classic jammie pattern.

Lovely Chinese silk panel is heavily embroidered with gold metallic and silk thread.  Two circular key holes reveal natural scenes.  Center features a lovely lady with a bridge in the back round. Silk embroidered border appears to have a tree or flower motif.

Measurements

Pannel measures 9 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide.

Condition

The embroidery is in excellent condition, but the silk has slightly deteriorated in a small section near the top.  That appears to be this panels only flaw.

Grade: Good

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Four silk tassels from the 1920s.  These were brought to me by two elderly sisters who live in my neighborhood.  Their parents were missionaries in China in the 1920s and I believe these were among the many things they brought home with them.  Thin silk tassels are wrapped with metallic thread over what I believe is a base of many layers of paper through which the black cording runs through.  A topazy orange glass bead and a band of woven mystery material are strung on the black cording that creates an elaborate top and loop.

What will you turn these into?  I’d like to know.  The decoration for the four corners of a pillow?  Two pairs of spectacular shoulder duster earrings?

Measurements

These beauties measure a full 7 inches from top to bottoms with the actual fringe being 4.5 inches long.  Top of tassel is 3/8th of an inch in diameter.

Condition

Considering age, these tassels are in quite good shape.  The braids between the glass beads and cording have wear.  One or two small faded spots on the silk tassels themselves.

Grade: Excellent

Lovely, large pair of mirrored appliques from the 1940s.  I believe they are machine embroidered on silk chiffon.  Cabbage roses with small buds and leafy details.  I imagine these originally sprayed over both heavily padded shoulders of a sophisticated evening gown of the period.  These appliqués are more coral pink than they appear in the photos.  The true shade is the classic rose color popular in the 1940s.

Measurements

Appliqués are 10 inches tall and 8 inches at their widest.

Condition

These were obviously removed from a glamorous gown of the 1940s.  There are some loose threads mostly from their previous attachment (that are easily pulled off) and one or two from the embroidery itself.  Otherwise magnificent!

Grade: Excellent

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