Half Pint

I recently acquired several estate pieces from a New York City Garment Industry Seamstress with glorious taste~ This piece was of particular interest as the label struck my fancy~& really, who isn't a sucker for a story telling label?

Circa 1939 - 1942 Oppenheim Collins Co Half Pint Shop 11 - 17 Half Pint was the term used for Half Size (Shorter) or Petites during the 1940s. From a 1941 New York Times Article: "The Half Pint is a special small size limited to those who are not more than 5 feet 5 inches tall and wear junior sizes from 9 to 17. The half pint style, while it may suit any age between 16 and 30, is essentially young. The time that favors it likes short, swinging skirts and has a special fondness for dresses with a deep inset midriff girdles."
Well who doesn't want to remain essentially young?!

Oppenheim Collins & Company founded in 1871 by Albert D. and Charles J. Oppenheim was originally a New York City skirt manufacturer, later catering to women by opening their first Department Store 1901. In 1910 Oppenheim Collins purchased this lot at a time when major Department Stores were moving from downtown towards midtown 34th street area.

City Stores Company gained control of the chain in 1945, later Oppenheim Collins merged with Franklin Simon & Company, the name of the chain being liquidated by 1963.

1940s dress / 40s Oppenheim Collins Plaid Taffeta Swing Skirt & Black Velvet Bolero Set
Black Silk Velvet Bolero with gathered poof & padded shoulders for structure.

Fully lined in matching silk plaid taffeta.

Full Swing Skirt in Plaid Silk Taffeta

Stitched by Hand at the Hem lined with Lace