SWEDISH 1940S/1950S FIERY ORANGE THEATRICAL (CA 1890-1910) TWO PIECE SUIT. SIZE CA EU 44-46 (US/UK 34-36)

DESCRIPTION

This is probably one of the more unusual suits we have ever offered. We know that it originally came from a theatre's costume department, but little more than that is known. It was evidently made to imitate the prevailing style of tailoring around the turn of the twentieth century, and it does so rather well. Many details are recognisable from the period: the slanted breast pocket, the exposed edge stitching, the four front buttons, to name but a few. Naturally, however, it was not made at that time. Looking at the lining and a few other details, we arrive at the conclusion that it was most likely made sometime during the 1940s, or possibly somewhat later.

The jacket is single-breasted and fastens with four buttons. It has horizontal front pockets with flaps and a slanted breast pocket. There is a buttonhole in the left lapel. The cuffs have turn-ups, typical of the period it is intended to imitate. At the back, it is straight and closed, with no vent. It is fully lined, and this is where it differs most noticeably from the period it is meant to represent: the lining is constructed more like that of a 1940s jacket than one from around the turn of the century. It has no internal pockets – on garments intended for film and theatre, such details are often omitted.

The trousers are high-waisted, with a flat front and vertical front pockets that follow the line of the side seams. They have a button fly, and there are buttons for braces on the inside of the waistband. There are also belt loops. At the back, they are plain, with no back pockets.

It is worth noting that although this suit was originally made for the theatre, it was produced at a time when even theatrical costumes were made with great care and attention to detail.

The overall condition is good. There is some discolouration to the lining around the jacket's underarms, but naturally this is not visible when worn. There is some damage to the lower edge of the left trouser pocket which is worth noting. It has been repaired, but can be seen if you know where to look. There are also a few mismatched buttons among those that are not visible, such as the brace buttons. There are slight signs of wear to the cloth along some of the edges – authentic! – something that is often seen even on genuine garments from the period. As for the cloth itself, its texture and handle are of the kind one might expect from a suit from around the turn of the century, albeit in a somewhat more eccentric colour. If you are looking for a fiery orange turn-of-the-century suit, you are unlikely to get a better chance than this! Please study the photographs and form your own impression of the condition.

SIZE

It corresponds to a modern EU 44-46 (US/UK 34-36). There are a few centimetres of seam allowance that can be let out at the waist and length of the trousers, if required. Please scroll down for exact measurements and available seam allowances.

MEASUREMENTS

JACKET

Chest (A) : 50 cm

Waist (B) : 43 cm 

Sleeves (C) : 62 cm

Shoulders (D) : 46 cm

Total length (E) : 76 cm (73 cm measured from neck seam)

TROUSERS

Waist (A) : 37 cm 

Length (B) : 104 cm 

Inseam (C) : 76 cm 

Cuff width (D) : 19 cm 

Seam allowance trousers waist: 5 cm 

Seam allowance trousers length: 6 cm