Hi Shirley,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

While not as widely recognized today, Cohama was known for producing novelty and novelty-print fabrics and accessories, including commemorative designs tied to popular culture such as Broadway musicals. These scarves typify mid-20th-century merchandising of Broadway hits. South Pacific (which premiered in 1949) became a merchandising juggernaut, spawning neckties, lipstick, dolls, and scarves sold in department stores like Macy’s. Mary Martin was featured prominently in promotional items and tie-ins—underscoring this scarf’s place in that wave of musical memorabilia.

This isn’t merely a fashion accessory—it’s a snapshot of mid-century pop culture and Broadway merchandising. The imagery—dancing sailors, playful phrases, striking colors—reflects both the show’s nautical theme and its mid-century graphic sensibility.

Individual scarves usually retail for between $30 and $40 depending on condition. When sold at auction, fair-market results are more typically in the $15-25 range per scarf.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

Two Cohama printed South Pacific silk scarves
mid 20th Century
One in fuschia, green and orange depicting figures within leaves; the other with four figures wearing colorful hats, on a yellow ground with blue/green hats as a border.
Each approximately 36 by 36 inches
CONDITION: Both appear to be in good condition.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$ 15-25 each or $30-50 for the pair*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia