The Ballas Hess Company "was founded in the late 1800s as National Cloak & Suit and renamed National Bellas Hess around 1910, as folklore has it. It was located between Washington, Morton and Barrow streets in New York’s Greenwich Village. “We have no agents or branch stores,” it said in its 1920-21 fall-winter catalog. “We sell only direct from this catalog and anyone claiming to represent us is an imposter.” They were one of the big, early catalogue companies and some of the things they sold were quite expensive for the day.

This is a stunning antique jacket made out of a black silk taffeta. It is in remarkable condition for its age and feels surprisingly fresh and modern. It wraps and closes with a big loop and button at one side. The collar is large and folds over dramatically at the front and has an almost bibbed feel at the back of the neck. The skirt under the waist flares out quite dramatically and when you cinch the waist in with a belt this sweeping flare is even more exaggerated. At each side is a curved pocket that is very beautiful. They are set onto the jacket so that they pouf out slightly and the tops drop and curve outwards for volume. I love the gathered tops of each of them that follow that gorgeous cured shape. The ends of each sleeve also have beautiful detailing with a curved shape to the edges that goes upwards at the back and silk covered buttons that run in a tightly spaced row down each cuff. It is just extraordinary. Excellent overall condition with a couple of small notes below.

Unlined and closed with the button at the side. The easy cut will fit a variety of sizes. The silk on the loop of that closure has shattered leaving an interesting striping effect as the cord underneath is exposed, its also slightly stretched so it unbuttons easily. I have left it as original but you could tighten it if this bothered you. You could easily move the button to get the fit exact where you want it. There are a couple of areas where the silk has thinned and if you hold it up to the light you can see through the fabric a bit. I photoed this doing just that. Please review the photos after the label shot. For something over 100 years old it is in remarkable and sound condition 

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Sleeves: approx 28" to longest point from the natural shoulder
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 42" neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C524

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.