French antique opera costume vest medieval style goat hair imitation fur with metal studs

French opera costume vest dating from the early 1900s, made in a medieval style to mimic armour, resembling the costume of a warrior. Constructed from a rich dark brown early imitation fur, most likely woven goat hair, similar in feel to that used on early Steiff teddy bears. The front is decorated with shield-shaped flat silver metal plates sewn on in rows, creating a bold, armour-like effect, combined with silver dome studs. Finished with a scalloped hem edged in red trim and lined in cotton.

Fastens up the back with a row of buttons and a metal hook and eye at the neckline.

Stamped inside with maker’s mark Aristide Boyer, Marseille and the number 62, with a hand-inked name “Andre.”
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MEASUREMENTS
Chest (underarm to underarm): 20 in / 50.8 cm
Shoulder to shoulder: 15.75 in / 40 cm
Length (shoulder to hem): approx. 23 in / 58.5 cm

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CONDITION
Two of the flat metal plates on the front are missing. Some of the metal plates and buttons are tarnished, with areas of rust. One button on the back is broken in half. Some areas of the red trim are damaged or missing. There are visible stitched repairs, including around the neck where there has been some damage and subsequent sewing. There is further damage around the neckline that could be repaired with a few stitches. Appears to be entirely handstitched, with scattered repairs throughout, as is common with opera and theatre costumes.