Scarce Original Edwardian Men's Leather Waistcoat

Code: 54528

A stunning original Edwardian period leather waistcoat in good condition.

This style of waistcoat was very popular during the first half of the 20th Century but are now very rare to find today. This example most likely dates from the first two decades of the Century based on the cut and the materials used. The waistcoat features a five button fastening to the front and a very high neckline which is typical of the era. The buttons are made from plastic and feature a 'football' button design and may be a slightly later addition. This style is seen on military items from the two World Wars and may have been used to replace the original leather examples or similar. 

The interior of the waistcoat is lined with a thick pile wool which is typical of motoring and aviation coats from the same period. There is a small label which is no longer legible and also one of the buttons has been fitted as a spare to the interior. Clearly the original owner did not intend on wearing it with the bottom button fastened.

A particularly nice detail is the brass badge which has been fitted to the topmost button hole. It has clearly always been worn on the waistcoat and features a hallmark to the reverse which reads 'AA'. The only maker's I can find all date from the latter part of the 19th Century or the early part of the 20th Century with the latest being 1908. This ties in very well with the age of the garment. 'E.T. to W.B' has been carefully marked to to the reverse which would have been the initials of the person who gifted the badge and the owner of the waistcoat. 

The waistcoat will suit around a 36" chest and when laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 19 1/2"
Shoulders - 14 1/2"
Length - 21"

The waistcoat is in good condition for its age with plenty of signs of wear and use. There is wear to the leather exterior and there are sections where the chrome finish has come away although on the whole it is structurally very sound and can be worn. There is a slight loss of stitching under one arm between the leather and the wool lining and the lining shows signs of wear with some staining and holes. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a pre-owned item which is over 100 years old and has small issues commensurate with age. 

A very rare early leather waistcoat in a fantastic cut and with loads of great details. These do not come along very often!