Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Mid 19th Century Corset








From the seller:

’m thinning my collection of antique and vintage clothing and accessories so keep checking for more items!

Based on observations from those well versed in 19th century corsets, this corset most likely dates from the 1860s to possibly the very early 1870s. The main fabric is surprisingly thin, but very sturdy off-white cotton that is twilled on the inside with a smooth sateen finish on the outside. A layer of tan glazed cotton was laid over each of the 18 bones on top of shaped pieces of the same material laid over the front metal busk, the back metal bracing for the lacing eyelets tapering to form a band around the waist creating a striking two tone appearance.

It laces up the back through eleven pairs of small brass grommets, with two added pair at the waist, perhaps for extra ‘pull’ to cinch in the waist a bit tighter than the rest? The top and bottom edges of the corset are bound in white cotton twill tape and a narrow band or sturdy decorative edging was added along the top edge to help tell the top from the bottom. The original laces have been replaced with pink corset laces typically found on early 20th century corsets.

Condition: It appears to have barely been worn. It has a narrow rust stain along the upper inside edge of the knob side of the busk and a bit of very minor soiling for its age. Someone rather crudely restitched the outer edge of the middle of the tab side of the busk. The bottom grommet on one side has come loose, but is still on the corset lace. The glazed cotton has some minor splitting along the knob side of the busk. Someone has printed the letters “V.H.” in red/pink ink inside the top of the busk on the tab side.

Measurements: Back length: 12 inches (30.5 cm), Front length: 13 inches (33 cm), Waist: 23 inches (matches the 23 stamped on the inside) (58.25 cm), Bust & Hips both: 36 inches (91.25 cm). When the usual 2 inch gap or ‘spring’ in the lacing and perhaps using those extra grommets for an extra ‘tug’ at the waist, the resulting figure would be the mid 20th century ‘ideal’ 36-24-36 figure.

Edwardian summer Dress









From the seller:

This Edwardian era dress is made of ethereal cotton batiste with lace and intricate detailing. The back of the dress has unique crochet covered buttons and early snaps.

Here are the measurements- for the best fit, compare these measurements to a garment that fits you well:

Bust = 39”
Waist = 22”
Hips = 50”
Torso length from the top of the shoulder to the waist = 15”
Total length from shoulder to hem = 53”

Condition = This is in solid and wearable condition, there are some small tears and rust spots. This is in very good condition and considering the age of the garment.

1860's Plaid Dress







From the seller:

A shimmering 1860’s bronze and green stripe changeable silk dress. The fabric has a changeable quality depending on the light reflection. Within the green and bronze stripe pattern is a white and pink floral stripe. The bodice has full pagoda style sleeves that are decorated with brown silk fringe. The neck and armscyes are piped. The bodice is lined with cotton and has a front hook and eye closure. The fully lined skirt is attached to the waist with cartridge pleating. The dress is in very good and sturdy condition. There are no splits or holes in the silk fabric. There is a split along the edge of the lining near the hooks and mild circles of underarm discoloration that do not show when displayed. A beautiful Civil War era dress made of exquisite fabric. Bust 34 Waist 28 Skirt length 43 Width at hemline 140.


From Me

So lovely! This is an early 1860's, maybe late 1850's dress.


1860's copper brown dress














From the seller:

Construction of the dress/gown consists of a one pc. dress and HUGE BOW over skirt. This ensemble displays beautifully as it has a bit of change in color as it reflects the light. You will see a combination of hand and machine stitching.
I am delighted to describe this piece. (I MUST CONFESS THAT I DO NOT KNOW MY FABRICS) I DO BELIEVE THIS MAY BE A SILK TAFFETA. THE FABRIC IS OF A LIGHT HAND. I will start with the dress first. As I have stated the color is Coppertone with lovely irresident luster. I will start with the sleeves as I am most taken with the bellowing full gathered ruffles at both front and back gathered up with the decorative black ribbon at the top of the dropped shoulders. This portion of the ruffled sleeve is like a separate cap added to the overall sleeve. I will now make mention of the lovely pattern of fabric needle worked ?/covered buttons. One button is missing BUT I see that the waistband/ large bow on the over skirt covers that very well. I also want to mention that while I was buttoning I pulled one button off it will be included when I ship to you. (I have wrapped and placed in the pocket) Very nice details on the buttons and is most flattering to the entire outfit. The buttons are fabric possibly needled worked decoration. The dress is constructed in a one piece manner that closes over to right side at waist with 2 hooks and eyes that are present. Hidden pocket on skirt of right side. The bodice front has boning , I have placed a magnet on the boning and get no draw so I really don’t know what to say the boning content is. You will see a combination of hand and machine stitching. The dress/gown is fully lined with a white heavy cotton at top portion and a dark polished? cotton at bottom and sleeves. Entire bottom of skirt has the protective hem cord in a complimentary color. I believe this dress was meant to be worn with a bustle as you will see lots of pleating at back to accommodate a bustle. I have displayed with to many hoops to have achieved the proper look for the bustle foundation, but I must say once you have a mannequin all dressed you just don’t want to undo and redo it all over again!!!! Other wise I will never get these pieces of clothing offered to you!!
I will describe issues and condition on both pieces separately as I believe it is much easier to follow when done in that manner.
Measurements of dress have been taken while laid flat and at the outside of garment.
BUST 34 INCHES ALL AROUND.

SHOULDER TO WAIST 15 INCHES.
WAIST 26 INCHES.
.
TOTAL LENGTH FRONT ABOUT 55 INCHES AND BACK ABOUT 59 INCHES.

Now moving on to the over skirt. The eye catcher here is the beautiful huge bow and the flouncy fullness of the over skirt. The over skirt closes with 2 hooks & eyes that are present attached at the waistband. The bow is stitched to the waistband but also has a separate waistband attached that closes with 3 hook and eye closures all present then slips through a loop, see pictures. The over skirt may be positioned incorrectly as I see a bit of pleated underlining in front of bow which may well indicate additional room to accommodate a bustle?? The over skirt is constructed in a manner that creates a very full and flounced ruffled effect.
Measurements on over skirt;
Waist 27 inches.
Length at front where bow is placed 23 inches at longest portion and back 17 inches.
(THIS GARMENT HAS OVERALL DISCOLORATION OFTEN SEEN IN CLOTHING OF THIS AGE. ALSO I AM SELLING RIGHT FROM STORAGE TRUNKS AND YOU WILL WANT TO FRESHEN MUSTY ATTIC STORAGE ODORS WITH LOTS OF FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE) THE LAST 3 PICTURES I AM SHOWING AREA THAT ARE SHATTERED AND STAINED)
CONDITION AND ISSUES;
We will start with the dress.
FABRIC IS FAIRLY STRONG, BUT I WOULDN’T TRY TO WEAR UNTIL SOME FORM OF STABILIZING IS DONE.
1. SHATTER TO THE RUFFLED PORTION SLEEVE (SEE PICTURE)
2. OVERALL DISCOLORATION, BUT DISPLAYS WELL AS THE LIGHT REFLECTS AND CREATES AN IRIDESCENCE.
3. UNDER ARM STAINS, BUT NOT SHATTERED OR TORN AT THE UNDER ARMS, ACTUALLY STRONG IN THAT AREA. THE STAINED AREAS DO NOT SHOW AS THE RUFFLED CAP HIDES THAT.
4. STAIN ON FRONT AS SEEN IN PICTURES.
5. ONE BUTTON MISSING.

6. SMALL AREA OF SHATTER ON LEFT SHOULDER SEE PICTURES.
8. SHATTER AT LEFT JUST ABOVE WAIST.
9 SMALL AREA OF SHATTER AT LEFT FRONT OF SKIRT, REALLY HIDES IN THE FULLNESS.
BASICALLY WE ARE LOOKING AT THE USUAL ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED WITH GARMENTS OF THIS AGE. I AM NOT SEEING THE USUAL AMOUNT OF SMALL PINHOLES AND HAPPY TO SAY THE BOTTOM OF DRESS SHOWS NO TEARS OR FRAY DUE TO THE COLOR COORDINATED CORD AT HEM.

CONDITION AND ISSUES WITH UNDER SKIRT;
1. A FEW SCATTERED PINHOLES.
2. SMALL AREA OF SHATTER AT RIGHT SIDE.
3. A FEW SPOTS.
I HAVE DONE MY BEST TO GIVE YOU AN ACCURATE ACCOUNTING OF THIS GARMENT. PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO EMAIL WITH ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.

THANK YOU FOR STOPPING IN AGAIN.
PAYMENT IS EXPECTED WITHIN 3 DAYS OF AUCTION CLOSING, UNLESS YOU WISH TO MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS (JUST CONTACT ME)
PLEASE REMEMBER ALL SALES ARE FINAL AS MY TIME IS SPENT TRAVELING THE COUNTRY SIDE, HILLS AND VALLEYS TO FIND ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR YOU.

MY ITEMS ARE CAREFULLY STORED IN A SMOKE FREE, PET FREE ENVIRONMENT. I AM ALSO CAREFUL TO STORE IN AN UNUSED PORTION OF MY HOME THAT CAN NOT PICK UP COOKING ODORS ETC.
I CAN NOT SAY WHAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WERE BEFORE I PURCHASED.


From Me:

You'd think the discoloration on the back of the dress would be a clue for overskirt placement. ;-) Also, the caps on the sleeves should not be puffed (you can see the plastic bags bunched up in the photos she placed beneath them. ) This is a great example of the mid to late 1860's. It doesn't look to have gone to full bustle yet so I'm guessing more towards the mid 1860's in style. But, just like today, it was common to be a few years out of fashion.

1890's Polka Dot Bodice













From the seller:

I am happy to offer for auction this absolutely beautiful antique pure silk blouse featuring generous pleats both front and back and finished at the waist in a cummerbund style waist princess waist band tied in the front with dark green ribbons; there are small gold studlike half beads decorating each side of the waist band as well as the end of the collars and cuffs; very decorative, very beautiful. It is fully lined with silk and is supported by stays for maintaining shape. It measures approx. 24-25" at the waist and is approx. 17" from should to bottom of the cummerbund waist line.It has a wide scopped neckline. It is open down the back and fastens with hooks and eyes; it was meant to be worn skin tight at the lower bodice; a very lovely vintage item. It is made of pure silk and displays large dark green polka dots on a cream silk background. I have not attempted to clean this lovely item; it needs to be professionally cleaned; condition is excellent considering the age; no real damage; I cannot see any splits in the silk or any holes. There are one or two loose threads which could be tidied up. Buyer will be pleased.

From Me

This is just such a happy looking bodice. The polka dots are cute but I also like the beading detail and lacing detail added to the neckline and cuffs.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

19th Century Bonnet


From the seller:

We are offering for your consideration this fabulous Quaker bonnet.

Owners history on box top.

Circa-1840's

Material-silk

Color- dark purple.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Titanic Era Dinner Dress











From the seller:

Front & back tops show the cummerband around waist & the buckle closing in back of gown. There are hook & eye closings down the back of dress. Lace is not yellow as it shows in pictures but is white.

Picture to the right shows in greater detail the wonderful handwork on gown. The embroidered roses are done with long & short stitches as are the dots on lace. Around the sleeve are french knots which are either done in a brown or the thread has faded. There are also french knots down the side seams of dress which I couldn't get to show.

Dress is about 60" long, measures 30" at the waist & about 40" at the bust & hips.

Gown has been packed away for many years in acid free tissue paper. I'm not sure if this is a mourning gown or just a beautiful gown circa 1900.


From Me

Squee! This dress is actually from right around the early 1910's. Technically, this style is from about 1908-1913 -however, this is probably right about 1910/1911. Yes, ladies on the Titanic would have worn something similar to this. I think this is a summer dinner gown.

1870's Bustle Skirt


From the seller:

This is a beautiful bustle skirt from the late 1800's that I found in upstate NY. . . Made up in a somewhat sheer cotton batiste or lawn, there is an insert panel of pin-tucks down the back with whitework embroidery. Fastens at gathered waist with single mother of pearl button. Skirt measures about 45" long, with a 23" waist and a 124" hem circumference. Can't help but think this was used by a bride. . . would be wonderful wedding wear for today. I did hand-soak and iron it but see there is a yellow spot still that could be treated-see pics of back. One part of a pin-tuck has come undone-hard to see. Also, there are some rust dots and mouse nibbles along bottom edge in front-so not mint or perfect. Please view pics carefully.

1890's Dress











From the seller:

This is a three piece set. Looks like a mourning gown to me. I think the sleeves are gigot. They are 19.5" long. Shoulder to shoulder is 13" Length of jacket 16" There is a belted strap that comes across the front and needs reattached on one side. The jacket has hook and eye closures, some small holes, and one bone in (one missing) The skirt looks like a bustle skirt, is heavy, is made of three layers, the innermost looks like oil cloth. It is 37" long, over 60" across at the bottom. The waist is 28" and needs an eye.

1880's bodice









From the seller:

This is a lovely antique 1800's ladies heavy silk fully corseted jacket. This lovely piece of Victorian clothing features a most beautiful cut to velvet collar and cuffs in brown...this really pops against the steel gray jacket silk. Fully corseted inside which is lined in a soft brown polished cotton. Much sought after bustle back flap for your wire cage bustle. I do not have the entire skirt that went with the jacket, but please see my other auctions for the two heavily beaded fringe skirt sides...these can be used with the jacket. in way once you repurpose. The front of the jacket buttons with steel cut early shank buttons. This gorgeous Victorian dress jacket is in excellent condition and can easily be worn. The following flaws are noted: missing 2 upper buttons and one needs to be rewen on...I will send along...that's it! The cut silk velvet collar and cuffs are ever so soft. This is an amazing 1800's corset jacket well worth a peek. was most likely worn with a lace bodice insert of some kind...these are easily found on ebay ...or you can simply wear it over a blouse. This elegant piece measures as follows:
Bust: 30 inches
Waist: 24 inches
Underarm to hemline: 11 inches
Underarm to sleeve end: 15 inches
For serious Victorian clothing collectors and dealers of the nothing but the finest in 1800's clothing!

1860's striped Silk dress









From the seller:

We have obtained a number of items from a family's collection that they parted with at auction. We will gladly combine shipping at auctions end.please request an invoice

This is a two piece set. The sleeves are 16" long. Shoulder to shoulder is 16" Length of jacket 13.5" The buttons are pretty cool, the bottom two have some bead loss. The skirt looks like a bustle skirt, is light weight, I think silk. It is 42" long, over 57" across at the bottom. The waist is 24.5"

Both pieces have some small holes and fraying

I think the overall condition is great for the age. Awesome for your collection.



From Me:

This is a lovely early 1860's day dress. This is what ladies would have worn in the American Civil War. Based on some odd trim placement, this may have been made over from an 1850's dress.