HELEN BOND CARRUTHERS CASHMERE SWEATER M/C APPLIQUE CHENERY CARMICHAEL ESTATE

Description

From the Tucson estate of Margaret Chenery Carmichael, socialite and once part owner of the famed Triple Crown winning racehorse Secretariat, is this I believe 1950's or so Helen Bond Carruthers Versailles Kentucky cream color cashmere sweater with multi color embroidery appliqué embellishments. The desirable beauty has a coveted and correct "Helen Bond Caruthers (in script) / VERSAILLES, KENTUCKY" label sewn to the wide interior grosgrain hem, along with every other requisite detail and upper tier level of constructive quality that commends these wearable artworks to those who love vintage. For instance the decoration on those green ball bead buttons is actually hand painted. There were closets of finery in that foothills home - that said and as those who know might understand, my wife was immediately drawn to this and another Carruthers sweater literally from across the room (that other red gem was also previously listed on eBay). The appliquéd floral embroidery is in this case a multi color proposition - a fortuitous Caruthers selection that makes this sweater unique. My wife has measured and this is what she gave me: 18 1/2 in. across the bust (underarm to underarm); about 14 1/2 in. at the hem; and 15 in. across, shoulder  seam to shoulder seam. It is about 18 1/2 in. vertical from the shoulder seam to the hem. About 26 1/2 in. from the neck to the edge of the arm sleeve. She said to be sure of your own measurements, as this is a final sale with no returns. The sweater is in excellent vintage condition with no holes or tears or any overt signs of extended wearing about. The floral embroidery shows a number of usual loose threads here and there - apparently a common circumstance with these and easy enough to tack back in place for those so inclined. The silk lining is both original and exceedingly well preserved. All said, Margaret apparently took good care of her things. As an aside,  Margaret Chenery Carmichael originally came to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona and stayed close by until her passing. Margaret's father was Christopher Chenery, businessman and owner of Meadow Stables at Doswell, Virgina - birthplace of both Riva Ridge and Secretariat. The job of running the stable was assumed by Margaret's younger sister Penny when their father became ill -  it was Penny who actually arranged the breeding that would eventually result on one of the greatest U.S. racehorses of the 20th Century. Christopher passed in 1973 prior to Secretariat's three-year-old season, at which time a forced selling of the horse to cover tax debts was avoided by a record breaking syndication arrangement in which Margaret became a share holder. With the winning of the Belmont stakes in that year, Secretariat became the first Triple Crown winner since Citation in 1948 - in what has been described as the greatest performance by a North American horse during all of the 20th Century. Whether you are a race fan or not, that is saying something. With a long wait and the benefit of some good fortune you might find another Helen Bond Caruthers sweater of similar size - that said, there is no possibility of replicating the fascinating provenance of this lovely example.
Payment Terms
PAYMENT WITHIN 10 DAYS OF AUCTION CLOSING. I ACCEPT PAYPAL AS PER EBAY RULES.
Shipping Terms
THIS IS LISTED AS U.S. ONLY; INTERESTED INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS PLEASE EMAIL. BUYER PAYS FOR SHIPPING. GENERALLY WILL SHIP US PRIORITY MAIL OR USPS FIRST CLASS WITH DELIVERY CONFIRMATION, BUT CAN NEGOTIATE; BOOKS GO MEDIA RATE.
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