Astrakhan Vintage Coat

I have my mother in law's first overcoat circa 1955, a wool and mohair green size 12-14 made in England. It is in very good condition but I am not sure what to do with it. Doubt it is worth very much and haven't tried selling it anywhere yet. It is really heavy to wear, but there might be someone out there who would be interested in it. Would any of you have any ideas?
(mother in law was having a clean out and thought I might be interested)

Heavy wool = Warm. I have a NZ Army greatcoat that I wear for skiing and for working outside on especially cold days. I think it's WW2 surplus, or maybe Korean War. It always gets favourable comments on the ski field. It weighs as much as three blankets but it keeps me warm and kind of dry even when it's wet. Do you ski?

Hi Igor, no I don't, but I think it would be a bit cumbersome for that as it's is quite long and one probably doesn't want fabric flapping around speeding down the piste!

Sew yourself a 1950s dress and wear them together! Would look great withmy dress that I've just made .

I have an even better idea. I think you should throw it out - I will make sure that it is appropriately disposed of if you would like[].

Sounds like just the thing for standing on the sidelines of hockey/netball etc at 8:30 am in the middle of winter

I have been given an old Otago sheepskin jacket just for this purpose, what a godsend.

Anne, unfortunately I don't sew! but you have just reminded me I do have a friend of that size who likes vintage clothing and Xartep I count myself lucky that my kids have never played sport early mornings on the weekend - brrrrrr! would've made husband go anyway as I do all the after school ferrying around.

My mother has a vintage squirrel coat and at 95 is devastated that her granddaughters (MINE) are all saying no to wanting the coat. It is gorgeous but a) we don't get that cold up here and b) my girls have been raised in a generation of being told (not by me with farmed fur) that wearing fur is a total no no. So - what to do with the squirrel coat?

Wearing fur is just the same as wearing leather. I don't see anything wrong with it.

igor too true in some countries shooting squirrels is a good thing like possums here and now watch the fur fly, also I used to have an army great coat for on the motor bike great warm coat it was too.

I have my dear old aunt's very real-looking fake fur jacket. I love wearing it and having people ask if it's real, then having the discussions that follow. An excellent conversation-starter at parties!

Shad297, I know a lot of young women who would kill for a green wool overcoat from 1955. Some charities do clothes-swap evenings as fundraisers, or run auctions of quality vintage clothing, so donating it to a charity could be one option.

Also if you've ever seen the stylish ladies at "frocks on bikes" events I'm sure you could imagine your coat on one of them! I know one gorgeous woman who rides an old-fashioned upright bike, with a basket of flowers on the front. In winter she always rides in vintage skirts, wool stockings and long boots. Stunning!

I think you will find your coat is more popular than you think.

Shad, have you found a home for the coat yet?

I'm a designer (currently without a workroom because of the quake) and have recently developed a fascination with 50s fashion. I'm collecting dressmaking patterns from the 40s and 50s, and when I get my workroom back I plan to have my 9 favourite patterns set up framed on the wall as an art installation and have my dress form set up wearing a gorgeous outfit.

If you haven't re-homed or otherwise disposed of it yet, I'd love to give the coat a new place!

HI Jenna, no I haven't done anything with it yet. Maybe we could sort something out. I could certainly send you a photo if you PM me with your email address.

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