Vintage Mid Century Circus Ringmaster Lion Tamer Frock Coat Fuchsia Jacquard M For Sale

Striking vintage mid century theatrical frock coat in vivid fuchsia floral jacquard, dramatically cut with long tails and embellished with gold braid trim, decorative closures and gold-tone buttons. The contrasting ivory silk cuffs add another particularly theatrical detail.

This coat was acquired as a vintage lion tamer’s circus costume, although no documentation identifying a specific circus or performer accompanied it. Based on the construction and materials, it appears to be a mid-20th-century theatrical garment, likely circa 1940s or 1950s, made in the tradition of earlier military, riding and circus ringmaster coats.

The body is an unlined cotton-feeling floral jacquard with applied gold braid. The decorative gold trim remains notably bright. The contrasting cuffs appear to be silk and may represent an alteration or reuse from another costume. The buttons at the cuffs differ from the buttons used on the body of the coat and appear older; whether the cuffs are original to the garment is unknown. This mix of materials and components is consistent with the kind of adaptation often encountered in working theatrical and costume wardrobes.

The front buttons are decorative rather than functional closures. Beautiful sculptural tailoring through the shoulders and upper body gives way to exceptionally long, sweeping tails. A wonderful piece for a vintage fashion collection, theatrical or circus collection, styling, display, photography, performance, or, of course, a Halloween costume.

Shoulder to shoulder measures approximately 18 inches. The sleeves measure approximately 20 inches from shoulder to bottom of cuffs. The chest measures approximately 42 inches around. The coat measures approximately 41 inches from the shoulder to the very end of the tails.

Very good vintage condition. Some fraying to trim and minor soiling on cuffs. Please review photographs closely for construction and condition.