The thing that keeps collecting old clothes interesting is that there is always something new that one has never seen before. This stole is a good example. The textile is a printed velvet, and the print looks like it is from the 1920s. The problem is, I’ve never seen nor heard of evening stoles being used in the 1920s. The black reverse side is a deep, plush velvet as well.
I’m still not sure what to make of this piece, and would appreciate any and all opinions and insights. The tie you can see actually wraps around a button, which is wood covered in the black velvet.
I generally don’t acquire things of this nature, but I loved the print and truthfully, the price was too good to turn down. And I’m always up for a good mystery!
UPDATE: A good friend sent a French fashion illustration dated 1920 that shows a similar stole being worn as part of a cloak. The patterned fabric IS the lining, as most of the commenters suggested. Thanks to Lynne for coming through once again!
The Vintage Traveler 
I do believe that the black plush velvet is the proper side for this. I have had a number of items made of this same sort of plush velvet fabric and they dated to mid to late teens. Lovely find!
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Thanks for that dating tip. And I’m agreeing that it most have been black side out.
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This IS a pretty print. It looks hand made or home made…from the looks of the square pocket. Does Poppy’s Vintage believe you have it inside out on your dress form? I can’t remeber seeing printed velvet often, if ever.
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It is likely that I have it on reversed, but I went for the pretty side!
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I found several examples of printed velvets from the same era, here’s the links as they are gorgeous–
https://www.vintagetextile.com/new_page_98.htm
https://www.vintagetextile.com/new_page_257.htm
And there are several example of devore or burned out velvet. There are many, many examples of printed and beaded velvet, also. (Yummy!) To me this one looks wrong side out because of the way the hem lays on the bottom. It makes me think that print is on the inside with a little hidden pocket.
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Thanks for those superb examples!
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Lizzie, I think that’s earlier, more a mid to late Teens. And maybe reversible ? They often did dark jackets, coats and wrap that had brilliantly colored linings. And a velvet lining for a stoke would be warm! The little pocket would also be consistent to be on the inside.
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Thanks for this info Hollis. I need to spend some time in my late teens magazines to see if I can spot something similar.
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the fabric – is it cotton or silk velvet? the print is Deco in style – the fabric may be the only thing vintage – it looks Dressmaker – not – Tailored. Beautiful Puzzle!
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I believe the fabrics are both silk.
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Let me second the opinion that this is homemade. It is hard to make a professional looking patch pocket, and whoever made this did not succeed. Once you know something is homemade, doesn’t that complicate the dating process? This could have been fashioned according to someone’s imagination, using vintage fabric.
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My first thought was that it could have possibly been made in the late 40s, or into the 50s went stoles were stylish. But all the ingredients – black fabric, patterned velvet, and wooden button, are older. You would think that the maker would have at least used a more stylish button !
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I agree that the black velvet is the right side and it is common to see a print on the reverse of a stole. It is in good condition with the printed velvet showing colours that don’t appear too faded. The 1920’s period looks about right with the print although the stole itself may have been made even a bit later. I don’t think being homemade complicates dating and may add to confirming the period. For example if it was the early 1930’s and you were an older woman using some fabric which was a little out of fashion to make the stole.
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Interesting theory. Now I’ll need to include the early 30s to my image search!
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Another thing might be that an older woman in the 1920s wanted a stole like she’d worn in the teens, even though they were no longer in style. So she got some current fabrics but used an old pattern, or made one up.
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Hi, I have one very similar and thought maybe 1930’s.
Mine has the same pocket and different lining, also the pretty tie.
I would love to include some photos for you to compare them.
Best, Yvonne
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Thanks so much, Yvonne. You can send photos to thevintagetraveler@gmail.com.
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