-40%

Vtg 1930s Childrens Western Leather Chaps & Vest Plains Style Beaded Thunderbird

$ 52.27

Availability: 51 in stock
  • Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Modified Item: No

    Description

    You're bidding a a cool, vintage children's Westernwear outfit - leather chaps and vest - with a hand-beaded, Native American "Thunderbird" design motif. Both of the items have a "M" medium size tag, which leads me to believe these were produced for sale, and the construction is machine stitching, but the stitching is not always symmetrical, which leads me to think that they're handmade, not mass-produced. All of the beadwork is hand stitched and tied. Nice detail on all of the pieces - Thunderbirds on vest pockets, vest back and on the thighs of the chaps - feather motifs on the front and back vest shoulders and the shins of the chaps, ornamental beadwork all around the edges, and nice leather fringing on the chaps.
    These came out of the estate of a 92 year old man and they were reportedly his when he was a child, so they are likely circa 1930s vintage. Note some issues of condition - some spotting and soil to both pieces, and some leather chipping/cracking visible on the vest - neither garment is brittle, but I would say that they are more for display than wear at this point. On the chaps, one calf strap is gone, and the other is partially detached. The belt strap is present, with fun decorative buckle, but the tongue strap is worn and in danger of breaking apart.
    Condition not bad, though, for age and type - the beadwork is striking, and probably 98% intact. I don't know any more backstory than already provided - so I don't know for sure whether these are Native American made - possibly for the tourist trade - or not. They're definitely beautiful handicraft, though. They look to be sized for maybe a 4 or 5 year old.
    Please review photos carefully to make your own determination of overall condition and appeal, and don't hesitate to ask any questions prior to bidding - thanks for looking!