Vintage early 1900's Edwardian era black and red velvet Mason's Rear Guard jacket.

Gorgeous black velvet jacket embellished with 3-D red braid and sewn on silver tone metal flat circles and rings.

The outside of the sleeves features red velvet accented with flat metallic gold bullion braid. Mandarin style collar. Cropped length.

Does up the center with four black cord frog fasteners.

The body is lined with red satin and the sleeves are lined with taupe, blue and white striped cotton.

LABEL: Ward & Stilson / Military & Society Goods / New London, O. / Inner Guard. The number "WN 819" is written on the lining below the label, but does not show through to the outside.

Ward & Stilson was founded in 1888 in New London to manufacture fraternal rosettes. Before long they were manufacturing military uniforms and society items for different fraternal organizations, including the Freemasons and oddfellows. The company moved to Anderson, Indiana in 1913 meaning this jacket can be dated between 1888 to 1913.

SIZING: There are no size tags. Based on the measurements below, I'd say this would fit a modern women's small or men's small.

I believe this would have been originally made for a man, but could also be worn by a woman.

MEASUREMENTS:

Shoulders: 15" Across;

Outer Sleeves: 23-1/2"

Inner Sleeves: 18-1/2"

Chest: 35" - Underarm to Underarm

Waist: 34-1/2"

Bottom: 36" Around

Length: 17-3/4" - Shoulder to Bottom

CONDITION: Very Good - there are no stains, holes, rips, tears, snags, fading, discoloration, or odors to the exterior of this jacket. There is wear and loss of the surface nap on the edges of both sleeve cuffs, with more loss on the left sleeve cuff.

There are faded lines and a few small holes on the shoulders of the inside lining from being on a hanger. These lines and holes do not show through to the outside.

Please see my other listings for more wonderful vintage.

Member VFG Vintage Fashion Guild.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Central California.