SCARF COLLECTOR
Scarf Collector UK
email: scarfcollector@yahoo.co.uk
COPYRIGHT - LEVER-2005-2110 - No.251687 All rights reserved
COPYRIGHT: LEVER - 2005-2010 - Reg.251687 - All Rights Reserved. Please read carefully:
The Scarf Collector website is ' NON PROFIT MAKING' and intended for the enjoyment of Scarf Collectors and others worldwide. I have spent many 'unpaid' hours in researching the subject of scarves which I do not mind sharing with those who are also 'hooked' on scarves. The website is free to browse, I do however take great exception to anyone using website content for their own financial gain especially as I the author do not gain financially from the work involved in running the website.
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Welcome to the world of scarves and scarf collecting
Hello, like many others out there I collect ladies scarves, this came about as I had collected Vintage Ladies Powder Compacts for some time and decided to widen my field of collecting. I found the graphics on many of the scarves fascinating, some of the designs were very similar to those used on vintage compacts. Finding information relating to scarves was a problem and very little information was to be found, no doubt many of you have been in the same situation. I then decided that research was the answer and started to visit libraries, archives, silk mills and manufacturers at home and abroad in places as far away as China. The end result was that I accumulated files full of 'scarf ' information dating back to the early 1930s. If you too enjoy collecting scarves I hope that you also enjoy browsing the following pages. All of the scarves featured are from my own collection.
Silk scarves will always be top of the list for most collectors, having said that many rare vintage scarves were made from rayon particularly during the WW2 era due to the fact that the use of silk was prohibited as the war progressed, silk was then used for the production of parachutes as well as silk escape maps which were carried by our armed forces. Better quality silk scarves usually have a rolled edge (more info., below) but not always as I have come across some interesting vintage quality scarves with a non-rolled or unmade-raw edge which look as if the edge is slightly fringed in some cases. Don't overlook the vintage travel souvenir scarves many of which were non silk as these provide an insight into the world of tourist travel during the latter part of the 20th century. These scarves were sold in more or less every tourist spot imaginable. Paris, Venice and Rome were the most popular destinations at that time. A few years ago it was easy to find vintage souvenir scarves from around the globe, but not so today as many of the better quality and more interesting souvenir scarves are now in private collections so snap them up now if they come your way! Many of the scarves featured on this web site come under the heading of 'cross collectable' which means that you are up against competition from other collectors who collect memorabilia relating to airlines, royal memorabilia, perfumes, ships, and cars just to name but a few subjects
As the research progressed word spread and I was then asked to appear on a TV slot for 'COLLECTORS LOT' in December 1999 followed by magazine articles. As a result I was swamped with enquiries regarding scarves. Since then of course there has been the slot on the 'ANTIQUES ROAD SHOW' in September 2005 which has certainly put scarf collecting in the limelight and has of course brought new collectors on the scene creating a bigger demand for scarves of all types.
Condition is important when buying scarves but yet again many of the older vintage scarves do come with the odd stain or slightly unstitched edge etc., don't bypass a very rare scarf because of this as it may never pass your way again. Do remember that the price of scarves can vary depending on where you live. In major cities such as London prices will be higher than in some provincial towns.
Some collectors prefer to collect a particular brand of scarf such as Jacqmar, Liberty or anything with a designer name, some just prefer silk whether signed or otherwise. Do be careful when purchasing so called 'designer scarves' such as Hermes, Chanel etc., or similar via the internet as there are a high number of fakes circulating out there which to some inexperienced collectors may appear to look like the genuine article - some of the fakes are very convincing and are quite often genuinely mistaken for the real thing by both buyers and in some cases sellers also. Check the authenticity of the name and details printed on the scarf before you pay up or if you intend selling a scarf on or are buying it as an investment! On a lighter note there are some very experienced quality dealers and vintage clothing stores out there who specialize in vintage scarves and have expert knowledge on the subject and of course will only sell the genuine article.
Although I prefer the silk variety and especially if they are signed, I personally do not limit myself and collect across a wide field from the top end of the market designer names through to the cheerful travel - souvenir scarves. I love them all whether silk or not as some of the non-silk vintage scarves are just too good to miss as the graphics are absolutely brilliant. The choice is yours as to what you collect, click on the pages to enter the wonderful world of scarf collecting.. I am only able to give limited information on each scarf, manufacturer, designer, era etc., as space just does not permit. From all the information stored over the years the content shown on the website is just the 'tip of the iceberg' as there is so much in depth information not yet divulged. I hope you find something of interest and possibly spot a scarf or scarves that you too already have in your own collection .Enjoy browsing!
Please note: I receive many emails requesting further information other than that already shown on the web site, I am frequently asked to value scarves, I regret that I cannot offer any further info., and do not respond to emails requesting further information or free valuations.
CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE
HAND
ROLLED
EDGE - The edges featured in this picture
are both genuine 'hand rolled' and areHAND
stitched in a matching thread to the
background colour of the scarf as is normal with quality silk scarves. A genuine
rolled edge will appear to be very plump on inspection. Avoid pressing the
edge of the scarf so as to retain its plumpness. Some older-vintage non-silk
scarves also have a hand rolled edge.
MACHINE Edged scarves - These two examples are of an over-locked machine edge which at first glance can look as if the scarf is hand rolled especially to an inexperienced collector. Most fake designer scarves turn up with this type of edge or in some cases a straight-flat machined edge.
FABRIC FLAWS FOUND IN SCARVES - Although it is always nice to come across scarves that doe not have any flaws unfortunately this is not always the case as many scarves have of course been used and come with a history. Minor flaws are quite common and it is not always a case of alarm bells. Below are just a few of the flaws that you may come across which do not automatically detract from the look of a scarf especially if it is one of the older, rarer or signed varieties.
BUBBLING - Very common in older silk scarves, not a serious problem as the fabric does not have a hole and is still intact, quite often caused through knotting the scarf and general wear and tear.
WEFT-WARP MOVEMENT - Also very common in older silk scarves, not a hole as such but looks as if the weave in the fabric has stretched- moved slightly giving the appearance of thinning to the fabric.
SEPARATING - Very common in synthetic and mainly polyester scarves which are inclined to snag more easily than silk scarves, again not a hole as such but may look as if some light is showing through the fabric when held up to the light.
COLOUR RUN - Quite caused through washing in hot water and wringing out the scarf rather than gently squeezing or patting the fabric to remove excess water. Often seen in silk scarves.
UNROLLED EDGES - Again often found in silk scarves of all ages - can be fixed if you are handy with a needle and thread by using a fine knitting needle on which to roll the silk over before re-stitching.
RICHARD
ALLAN - Vintage - A timeless classic feathers design which never
dates, silk twill, hand rolled edge - The Jacqmar-Richard Allan scarves
are always sought after, although RA produced many classic designs such as the
one featured (£20+) there are other very collectable designs from RA with more unusual graphics
that are keenly sought after by collectors worldwide, more info., on page 1.
THIRKELL
OF BOND STREET, LONDON - CHELTENHAM LADIES COLLEGE - Rare and collectable hand
rolled edge scarf depicting different locations around this elegant English
town. The famous ladies college is shown as is the racecourse, Cavendish House
Imperial Gardens and other places of interest. Value £30 plus.
JACQMAR OF LONDON - RMS QUEEN ELIZABETH 1 - 1950s - Rare and very collectable silk rolled edge scarf depicting the cruise liner Queen Elizabeth 1 - this famous ship was due to be launched in 1938 but was not completed due to the critical situation which had arisen in Europe i.e. the run up to World War 2. In 1940 the ship was requisitioned and fitted out as a troop carrier for use during the war years - Value £50 plus.
JACQMAR -RMS QUEEN ELIZABETH - This wonderful Cunard White Star Line ocean liner was launched in 1938 and named in honor of the then Queen Elizabeth who of course later became the Queen Mother. At the time it was the largest ocean liner, unfortunately as 1939 approached and the onset of WW2 this grand lady of the seas ceased to carry on her glamorous lifestyle and was used as a troopship. After hostilities ended the ship was then re-fitted out in 1946 making its maiden voyage as a cruise liner to New York during October. Its final Atlantic crossing was in 1968 before being sold to a group of U.S. businessmen, later to be sold on again to a Hong Kong shipping group in 1970. Unfortunately serious fires on board the ship in 1972 resulted in this wonderful liner being scrapped in 1973. Thanks to the Jacqmar company we are left with a glimpse into life on board.
LEFEVRE-UTILE,
FRANCE - French
biscuit-cookie company renowned for its beautiful and very collectable biscuit
tins some of which feature stunning graphics as featured on Art Nouveau posters
produced-designed by the very famous Czech artist Alphonse Mucha. The company
was founded in 1864 by Jean Romaine Lefevre and his wife Isabelle Utile, their
initials L and U were joined resulting in the LU logo which appears on this
stunning rare silk scarf which is highly collectable. Entitled summer,
the graphics are simply gorgeous. There are other scarves
in this series featuring the four seasons. Value £35
BECKFORD SILK
- makers of exceptionally high quality commissioned
scarves for many famous establishments, this stunning hand rolled silk
scarf was commissioned for BUCKINGHAM PALACE and is is absolutely
gorgeous, the graphics depict a design from a 17th century pietra dura
panel from a cabinet in the GREEN DRAWING ROOM at Buckingham Palace. The Beckford Silk premises Nr. Tewkesbury,
Gloucestershire. England are open to the
public, scarves and silk products can be purchased on site and also via the link
below. Why not visit this fine British establishment and experience first
hand the work and expertise that goes into the making of quality silk
scarves and other silk products Well worth a visit for any discerning scarf
enthusiast, individuals or groups are
welcome, refreshments are also available in the delightful Cafe on site,
for more information click on
http://www.beckfordsilk.co.uk
BERNARD
BUFFET - 1928-1999 - French born artist, this heavy silk twill hand
rolled scarf is signed by the artist, dated 1959. Buffets' works are
highly collectable and can be seen in galleries etc., around the world. This
particular scarf is rare and was made in limited numbers. Value £50 +
TELEGRAM
-BON VOYAGE SQUARE - Rare and collectable rayon
crepe neckerchief
with graphics depicting a greeting telegram. Signed Marie and George - greetings
say To Betty, With Love & good wishes from Rotorua New Zealand, a very
nostalgic and rare collectable.
After WW2 many British people emigrated to the dominion countries such as
Australia and New Zealand, this scarf dates from that era, possibly bought on
board ship during the journey or then posted when the passenger arrived at
their final port of call. Value £25 +
1957
- MOSCOW - WORLD FESTIVAL OF YOUTH & STUDENTS - The first event was
held in Prague in 1947 and has since been held in numerous other destinations
around the world the latest being Caracas in 2005. This interesting rare
pure silk scarf commemorates the MOSCOW event held in 1957. The date appears in the centre of
the design. Very difficult to find. £35+
Scarves in mint-unused condition will fetch higher prices than those that have been used. With regard to rare vintage scarves which in many cases have had some use these of course will still demand high prices because of their rarity.
LINKS
BRITISH COMPACT COLLECTORS SOCIETY- http://www.compactcollectors.co.uk
MADELEINE McCANN IS STILL MISSING - PLEASE SPARE A FEW MOMENTS TO CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW - THE SLIGHTEST PIECE OF INFORMATION COULD PROVE IMPORTANT IN THE QUEST TO FIND HER AND RE-UNITE HER WITH HER FAMILY WHERE SHE RIGHTFULLY BELONGS..
http://www.bringmadeleinehome.com
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