1910s ladies ride astride black wool coat

1910s ladies ride astride black wool riding coat C111

Condition: Very good to excellent

Price: $165

Measurements
Bust: measures 38" flat, for approx. size 34" over clothing
Waist: measures 35" flat, to fit approx. 28-30" over clothing
Hip: measures 44" flat, to fit approx size 38-40" over clothing
Length: 43"
Shoulder to shoulder: 13" (extra small shoulders)
Sleeve length: 23"
Label: Marshall Field & Company, Chicago

Description
This black wool tailored ladies' riding coat dates from the early 1910s. It has long, clean lines, with princess seaming on the front and the back. The shoulders are rounded and the sleeves are cut with a curve (to allow for better freedom of movement than straight sleeves) and are tapered slightly at the wrists. The single breast pocket and the two diagonal pockets at the hips are functional. The coat has pointed, notched lapels and closes with five buttons from bust to hip (the lowest two of which are modern replacements). Two skinny loops, one on each side of the coat, button around the calves of the rider to keep the coat close against the legs. There are also two hidden buttons on the front, closer to the hem, which fasten with tabs to hold the coat closed all the way down when you are not actually riding. In back, the long center slit is also held closed with tiny, hidden buttons (that match the tiny decorative buttons trimming the sleeves). The hem is curved, shortest in the front and longer in the back. The coat is fully lined with black silk satin fabric, reinforced with an extra overlay at the armholes, with a panel of rubberized cotton fabric along the hem where it would rest along the horse's back when the wearer is riding. Amazingly, after nearly 100 years in storage, this well-made coat is in very good to excellent condition, study and wearable with reasonable care. Its only issues are some wear to the shiny surface of the satin lining fabric (no tears or weak spots) and to the rubberized surface of the fabric at the hem, as well as the two replaced buttons. As with many garments of this era, the coat is relatively small through the shoulders, so please check the measurements carefully and compare to an jacket that fits you well. (I am approximately a modern size 6 petite and 5' 2" tall; when I tried it on it fit me pretty well.)