Help requested with an Edwardian era detachable collar

[Thermidor]

hello, I do know that this site is mainly regarding Pickelhaubes and militaria but I've seen great suggestions and information come from here so I come over with the hope someone more knowledgeable of me could help. I have gotten my hands on an original (or at least I suppose it an original piece) 1910s-1920s detachable-starched collar, and I would like to know if anyone has any advice on how I should clean it.

It has a yellowish stain on the back, minor markings and an overall look of greasiness. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Bobted]

Well Hello. I doubt it has much value even though it's very interesting therefore there's nothing to be gained in cleaning the stain unless of course you want to wear it. I guess a google search or taking it to your local dry cleaner, Rob

 

[Bobted]

I am also thinking that's not Edwardian but perhaps more modern perhaps part of a modern school uniform or cadet uniform or a Butler. THose numbers dont look that old, just a thought. Rob

 

[Bobted]

like this

 

[ussguppy]

Hi, I do a lot of tailoring as a side hobby and helped in a very small part to design some operational uniforms for the military. Those collars were meant to be decorative, but they got cleaned a lot. They would get washed routinely where the shirt would go multiple wears without cleaning to cut costs. They are washed in the same manner heavy cotton. Hot water, light detergent, baking soda is good, oxygen clean can be used it the stains persist. Air dry only. It will lose shape after cleaning at which point it will be 'heavily starched' and pressed. They aren't worth anything, but I would encourage you to perhaps bring the trend back in your own style.

To take it back to an Imperial German nexus as this is a pickelhaube forum, you stopped seeing starched collars as ww1 started. Men were heavily pressed into service, but uniforms had built in collars. Clothes were extremely expensive back then (a crazy 15-20% of your income), so many used thir old military uniform shirts for work wear. The trend caught on in US and Europe and detachable collars were phased out for convenient built in ones.

Hope that helps.

Gabe

 

[Peter_Suciu]

I am also thinking that's not Edwardian but perhaps more modern perhaps part of a modern school uniform or cadet uniform or a Butler. THose numbers dont look that old, just a thought. Rob

I would add that Edwardian is also 1901-1910, even if from the 1920s, it would be later than the Edwardian Era.

I thought these were the "cheap" part of white tie attire. In other words, the shirt was expensive and you'd replace the collar. Those stains are from someone quite POSH.