Charming brushed silver Christmas tree pin by Tortolani.  Metal branches are decorated with a metal pine cone, star and bell sprinkled with red and green rhinestones topped off with a candle.  This three dimensional brooch can also stand up on the flat round base and prove to be a tiny decoration around the house each December in addition to it’s wearability.

Measurements

Brooch measures 2 ^5/8 inches tall by 1 ^5/8 inches at it’s widest.

Condition

Some surface scratching.

Grade: Excellent

Beautiful ribbons of round and baguette cut rhinestones create a stylized feather brooch by Marcel Boucher.  This brooch is marked © Boucher with the inventory number 8135P.  It is said that the copyright symbol was added to the Boucher stamp after 1955.  I would guess that this is a late 1950s or early 1960s piece.  Bright silver toned rhodium plating simply shines.

Measurements

Brooch measures 3.5 inches by 1.25 inches

Condition

We replaced one of the baguette stones, but it is underneath one of the ribbons and you can’t see it.

Grade: Very Good

Hollycraft made excellent rhinestone pieces and this brooch in varying shades of purple is no exception. Hollycraft was among the very few costume jewelry companies to date their jewelry. This piece is from 1952. Tiered three dimensional pin has round, marquise, and oval stone in a variety of sizes. Colors range from a light lavender to a deep amethyst.

Measurements

Brooch measures 2 inches by 2.25 inches

Condition

Just a little glue residue and some loss of plating to the pin back.

Grade: Excellent

This charming straw hat of the late 1930s or early 1940s will undoubtedly win you the best hat prize at your next Kentucky Derby party. Tilt topper style hat of fine straw is accented with a yellow velvet band and half bow in back. The brim is sprinkled with yellow millinery flowers with three strategically placed bouquets. Velvet covered C shaped wire on each side of the inside of the hat, hold this hat on one’s head.

I have experienced some confusion selling this style of hat on the internets. Particularly this one. It is not meant to fit down on your head like a stocking cap, but rather to perch over one’s brow, at a jaunty tilt.

Measurements

This is a non head sized hat (although it is marked a 22) that will fit any head size at any angle of your choice or straight on (if you’re a weirdo). My milliner friend calls them doll or toy hats…

Length of hat 12 inches

Width of hat 13 inches

Height of crown 1.5 inches

If you are accustomed to using centimeters, I suggest you use a conversion chart. I like this one:

http://www.manuelsweb.com/in_cm.htm

Condition

Very good to excellent vintage condition. There is a little soiling to the inside on the grosgrain ribbon near the front. Presumably it is makeup from sitting on one’s forehead.

Charming World War Two era tilt topper hat fresh from my personal collection. Navy and white straw on a faille fabric lined base. Unique upside down bow front and center. The creativity of this hat extends into the pattern on the veil. A thick grosgrain ribbon with an elastic connection hold this chapeau jauntily upon the wearer’s head.

I have experienced some confusion with these hats on eBay. They are not meant to fit down on your head like a stocking cap, but rather to perch over one’s brow, at a jaunty tilt.

Measurements

This is a non head sized hat that will fit any head size at any angle of your choice or straight on (if you’re a weirdo). My milliner friend calls them doll or toy hats…

Length of hat 10 inches

Width of hat 9 inches

Height of hat 4 inches

Veil falls 10 inches from center brim

Inside circumference of hat is 19 inches

If you are accustomed to using centimeters, I suggest you use a conversion chart. I like this one:

http://www.manuelsweb.com/in_cm.htm

Condition

Very good to excellent vintage condition. Besides the pancake makeup spot on the inside of the hat, this hat in in great shape. No breaks in the veil. There is a little dust in some of the nooks and crannies. I can also see a few loose threads inside and I just noticed a very small spot on the grosgrain ribbon band that holds the hat to ones head.

Fantastic three dimensional brooch has an unfoiled, tear drop, topaz colored stone front and center.  Graduated swirls of aurora borealis rhinestones and one of topaz colored rhinestones.  Navette cut rhinestones alternate shades of topaz.  Brushed gold toned metal.

Measurements

Brooch is 2 inches long and `1.75  inches at it’s widest point.

Condition

I dare say this pin is near mint condition.  Strong and sturdy pin and clasp, and no chips to stones.  No scratches to the aurora borealis finish.  After looking hard enough, I found the only noticeable flaw.  A small amount of excess glue.

Grade: Excellent

Fall in love with autumn with this acorn and nut necklace.  I believe that the seed beaded acorns and hollow seeds/nuts are vintage although the findings appear to be more contemporary.  Perhaps someone put these older pieces together in this fashion more recently.  In any event, the large scale of this piece and color combination are sure to enhance any turtleneck sweater and pencil skirt combination.  Quite the conversation starter.  Not recommended for the faint of heart.

Measurements

18.5 inches from end to end.

Acorns are 1.5 inches long and 1 inch at their widest.

Seed pods/nut clusters drop 2.5 inches.

Condition

Other than the mixing of old and new as noted above, I see no visible flaws.

Grade: Excellent

Lovely 1950s embroidered lace strapless dress in dusty sage.  Fully lined dress with boned shelf bodice has nude colored taffeta lining and a layer of gathered tulle in the expansive skirt that matched the lace exterior.  Narrow horsehair hem, satin binding at neckline and creative darts at center bust.  Metal Talon side zipper is 14 inches long with hook and eye closure at top.  Beautiful dress perfect for prom or the creative and individual vintage bride.  Just the dress for your courthouse or backyard wedding.

Our model Suzanne’s measurements at the time of this photo shoot were as follows.

Bust 35″

Waist 24″

Hip 40.5″

Measurements

Bust 35 inches

Waist 26 inches

Hip FULL

Center Front to Waist 9.5 inches

Center Back to Waist 7.5 inches

Length from waist to Hem 30 inches

Sweep of skirt 149 inches

Condition

Some discoloration in the underarm area that is only visible on the inside lining.  There are some very small (pin head sized) spots on the front of the lace.  They are minuscule and difficult to see.

Grade: Very Good

Do you live in the greater Portland area?  Then contact us for an appointment to see our entire vintage bridal collection.

I purchased this wedding gown from the original owner’s daughter.  I was informed that this dress was first worn to a winter wedding early in 1954 in Canada.  Because the bride’s father owned and operated the local pharmacy, the wedding was held on a Wednesday as that was the only day the pharmacy was closed.

A classic 1950s strapless wedding dress with matching bolero.  Boned bodice dress is lined in taffeta.  A layer of tulle adds structure to the five gathered layers of embroidered tulle with scalloped edges.  Comes with original organdy petticoat.

We advise paying particular attention to the length measurements.  The original bride lost so much weight as her wedding approached that this dress was taken in several times and has room to be let out.  Unless this dress is considerably too long, we do not suggest altering the hem.

Our model Suzanne’s measurements at the time of this photo shoot were as follows.

Bust 35″

Waist 24″

Hip 40.5″

Dress Measurements

Bust 31 inches.

Waist 26 inches.

Hip Full.

Center front to Waist 12 inches.

Center back to Waist 7.5 inches.

Length from Waist to Hem 43 inches.

Sweep of skirt Tulle 192 inches. Lining 144 inches.

Zipper Length 14 inches.

Bolero Measurements

Bust 36 inches

Shoulder seam to shoulder seam 15 inches

Sleeve Length 25 inches

Front neckline to hem 12 inches

Back of neck to hem 14.5

Buttons 5/8 of an inch in diameter

Petticoat

Waist 26 inches.

Hip Full.

Waist to hem 43 inches.

Sweep of petticoat An amazing 245 inches.

Condition

There are two small spots on the bodice one on left front the other under right arm.  I have not laundered this dress and these could easily be removed or covered with some hand stitching in a matching thread. Otherwise excellent vintage condition

Grade: Very Good

Lovely linen wiggle dress designed by Carol Craig of New York.  Nude illusion neckline is bound at the top and trimmed with creamy three dimensional applique.  Gusseted sleeves, darts at both the waist and bust as well as the hip.  Kick pleat in back.  Fascinating, bra covering nude colored inserts can be seen above the applique.  Still retains it’s original self fabric belt.  So thoughtfully detailed that you will even find a bar tack loop at the front to secure the belt in it’s proper place.  Metal zipper is topped with metal hook and thread eye.

Measurements

Bust 32 inches

Waist 26 inches

Hip 38 inches

Shoulder to Waist 16 inches

Sleeve opening 14 inches in circumference

Length from Shoulder Seam to Hem 41 inches

Belt Adjusts From 24 to 26 inches

Condition

There is one very faint mark about two inches long located on the back right hip.  Hardly noticeable, and likely to be removed by a trusted dry cleaner.

Grade: Very Good