This is a place for any extant garments in private collections from about 1941 back. There is no beginning date. The only rule is that it can't be currently in a museum and must be before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I mostly post items I've seen on ebay, etsy, or other auction sites so we will continue to have a record of them for research purposes. If you have antique clothing in your collection, please, email me pictures of them and I will gladly add them to this site.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
1890's Nightgown/Robe
From the seller:
A romantic and frilly 1890’s ivory silk and Val lace lingerie robe. The robe has a doubled tier ruffle around the shoulders and each ruffle is trimmed with flounces of Val lace. The sleeves are made in the pagoda style. They are puffed at the top and the cuff is trimmed with a wide flounce of Val lace. The skirt has an insert of Val lace and the hemline has rows of pin tucking. The robe is lined with a wool and silk blend fabric. The robe has a front hook and eye closure that extends to the mid skirt area. The robe is in very good condition. There are no age marks and no underarm discoloration. There are a couple of pencil tip size holes at the edge of the hemline and the lining does have some splitting. See last photo. The lining could easily be removed. A very beautiful garment. Shoulders 15 Bust 36 Length 55.
1915 (?) Party Dress
From the seller:
This lovely dress is just one of many that I will be auctioning this week. All are from the estate of 91 year old Miss Ruth McConnel of Alliance, Ohio. The Edwardian & Roaring 20's clothing belonged to her mother, Ethel while the 1940's & 50's belonged to her. Make sure to watch for her father's clothing too, Mr. George McConnel, founder of McConnel Insurance Company still in existance today.
A vision in gold! I love the appearance of this dress and the way that it was made! The silk bodice is daringly low, especially for the time, with only sheer mesh netting for cover. I would say that the front was made in an empire style with a cummerbund appearance but, the fabric from the right shoulder crosses down to the left & snaps just under the left breast yet the wide empire-styled cummerbund gathers on each side ~ so attractive. Dark gold metallic/silk thread is sewn like ribbon on the cummerbund, around the sleeves and in the deep "V" of the bodice. Love the dark purple ostrich feathers that adorn the shoulder & waist. One is missing from the opposite shoulder.
The sheer mesh also serves as part of a camisole in the bodice with beautiful tambour net lace making up the sleeves. You will notice in my pictures that the lace there is torn but still salvageable is shortened. There is some underarm staining under the right sleeve. Three bellowing layers of silk, corded at the hemlines, make up the skirt. The top of each row is made of sheer ivory-colored silk serving as linings. You can see in the back of the dress that the lining of the 2nd row is coming loose & only needs sewn again. There are a couple stains that I did not attempt to remove... I'll save that for you experts. They do look like they are surface stains only & should probably come right out. The only other issues that I found is one tiny hole on the front side near the waistline & a couple small pulls in the silk, about 1/4" in size.
The bust measures 32", waist 28", 16" from across the outermost shoulder seams. The skirt measures 31" long from the waist. I'm listing this as a study piece only because of the few repairs that need to be done. I believe the fabric is still soft enough, not brittle; and can be worn once repaired.
If you have been looking for a dress of different design, this is the one!
Please take a look at the other clothes I have listed. I'm always happy to combine shipping.
Titanic Era Teal Silk & Lace Gown
From the seller:
These pictures do not do this beautiful authentic late 1800's Victorian Ladies Dress justice..I have never seen so much handmade lacework on anything until I found this dress..This dress back then had to have belong to a very wealthy lady..The dress designer that designed this dress was very good in the way she made one side longer than the other in the front and swaged the back lace overlay as pictured in #5. Almost all the lace overlay and seafoam ribbon is in great condition. The under skirt around the bottom is a little dry rotted in the folds. The under skirt is attached to another fabric that is off white and some of the stitching has come loose, but can be fixed very easily...The person that gets this dress is getting a museum piece. I cannot begin to explain how beautiful this dress is...
If anyone has any additional questions please feel free to contact me as I respond to all messages daily.
Just wanted to add some information that I left out of the original description..There is a designer label inside the waist...Designer is E.Charles of 62 West 47th Street, New York, NY...
The bust measurements are approx. 37" around and the length from top to bottom is Approx. 56" long.
Like I said in the original description the under skirt is attached to the slip and some of the stitching has come apart and can easily be re-stitched or just replace it because it is only about 10" long because it is attached to the slip and it is the only piece that is alittle dry rotted.
From Me: This is very much an Edwardian piece. The higher waistline, the cut of the sleeves, and the raised hem are all indicative of the 1910's.
Beautiful 1890's Wedding Gown
From the seller:
SELLING EXACTLY AS IS AS FOUND ABSOLUTELY ESTATE FRESH THIS VERY BEAUTIFUL, STUNNING, 2 PC AUTHENTIC VICTORIAN ERA WEDDING DRESS. ALONG WITH THE DRESS IS A BRIDAL VEIL, { VERY AS IS, THE VEIL AND ORANGE BLOSSOM {?} HEAD PIECE HAVE SEEN BETTER DAYS } A PAIR OF CREME SILK SHOES , EXTRA WEDDING DRESS FABRIC, AND 2 LONG SILK PIECES, FOUND IN THE SAME BOX, { I THINK THESE WHITE SILK PIECES HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DRESS.} THIS DRESS WOULD DO WELL IN THE HANDS OF A EXCELLENT DRESSMAKER. THE SKIRT HAS A TRAIN OF SILK WHICH IS EMBROIDERED WITH GORGEOUS PINK ROSES. THE BODY OF THE SKIRT { THE FRONT PART } HAS A BEAUTIFUL PETTICOAT UNDERNEATH W/ LACE TRIM. THE TRAIN IS ABOUT FIVE {5} FEET LONG, FROM THE WAIST { WHICH MEAS ABOUT 24 INCHES } THE SKIRT PART, FRONT, MEAS. ABOUT 44 INCHES FROM THE WAIST . THERE ARE SO MANY FOLDS AND FASTENERS THAT YOU HAVE TO REALLY KNOW YOUR ANTIQUE CLOTHING, TO BUCKLE THIS UP. THE TOP PART OF THIS DRESS HAS A MILLION "BONES " SEWN INTO IT. THE SLEEVES HAVE A THIN GOSSAMER COVERING WHICH IS ALSO SEEN AROUND THE NECKLINE. ALL SNAPS ETC. SEEM TO BE THERE. THERE ARE TWO AREAS OF WEAKNESS ON THE BODICE. I HAVE PUT BLUE TAPE ON THE AREAS THAT HAVE PROBLEMS. { WEAK AREAS ON THE SKIRT ARE ALSO DEFINED BY BLUE TAPE..} THE BODICE BEARS A LABEL WHICH SAYS: MME. E. SCHUMACHER ROBES 45 W 55TH ST NEW YORK' { PERHAPS A RELATIVE OF THE SCHUMAKER FABRIC FAMILY ??} THE PHOTOS DONT DO THESE PIECES JUSTICE. THE ROSE EMBROIDERY IS SO EXQUISITE ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM !!! PLEASE SEE OUR PHOTOS AND EMAIL WITH ANY QUESTIONS.
Turn of the Century all lace dress
From the seller:
Wonderful heavy tape lace or Battenburg and mesh gown in a larger size, the intricate tapes seem to have been made from linen threads.
The bodice, including the sleeves, is lined with chiffon, and there are several layers of chiffon forming a "pad" at each shoulder to help give the puffy sleeve silhouette so beloved at the time. There is a net insert at the bodice, chiffon insert at the front to give a pouter pigeon effect. It closes at the sides and at the back of the neck with hooks and eyes. The skirt closes in back with hooks and eyes, is also lined with chiffon. The chiffon lining has three ruffles around the hem that are trimmed with lace. There are long narrow inserts of large scale fagotting or hemstitching on both pieces.
The bodice has a 38" measurement, taken outside, 28" waist, it's about 14" between the shoulder seams. The skirt measures 29 1/2" around at the waist. With a graduated train, it's 44 1/2" long in front, 49" at the sides, 59" long in back.
Very good overall, with traces of a shattered pink taffeta lining that has mostly been removed. There is a chiffon ruffle at the neck that is deterioriating, but could be removed. The silk covering to the waistband is in poor shape, it's a separate piece from the bodice and could be removed and replaced with a ribbon or belt. The chiffon lining the bodice is in very good condition, it has been reinforced with a piece of chiffon backed with white cotton in a couple of places. The mesh on the lower skirt has an area about 10" x 12" or so that has a scattering of tiny holes. There are about three or four 1/8" holes as well.
Lace Day!
From the seller:
This charming Victorian gown dates [I think] to the late 1890's. The later the century becomes, the less research I have done, but I'm not far off.
There is a little dispute about the colour. Bought at Bonhams, it was described as very pale green but to my eyes it is a very pale lemon - a touch away from cream, so it depends on how you see colour I think!
The Bonhams label will be sent with the sale.
The two piece dress is made of a figured silk with delightful lily of the valley florals. The silk is medium weight, soft to the feel and really robust, so easier to care for than the lightweight silks.
The bodice is tightly fitted with 11 short bones inside. This tiny body shape is made to appear even smaller by the huge sleeves so fashionable at this time. There is a nice tail at the centre back waist and a small one to the centre front, so the entire image is very curvy!
As you can see, the main decoration is black lace, profusely applied. It makes a shawl around the neckline, and then is ruffled and gathered to reach high on the neck. The edges of the sleeves are decorated with lace flounces.
The fully lined and trained skirt is gorgeous and heavy! At the hem you will find black lace all around the outside. Turn it up and we have pleated gauze and white lace immediately underneath. Pull this up and there is a deep and stiffened pleated flounce. Pull this up to find the final layer, a silk dust band!
So, four layers at the base!
The inside of the skirt lining does have one set of ties, similar to a bustle, but I think these serve to hold the train in place as one walks, rather than to create a bustle - we are too late for anything but a very small bustle pad at the waist by this decade.
CONDITION:
Very good for age and very clean, underarms excellent inside and out.
Slight discolouration around the buttonholes at the front fastening.
A few discoloured areas to the skirt lining.
Three pearl buttons missing at centre front. Quite easy to replace as they are not fancy or large. Or, a set of jet-like black buttons would look lovely.
The lace is generally excellent, but one cuff flounce has torn and been repaired rather basically. Difficult to see.
The skirt waist is strong webbing, below which is a very narrow silk band. This band is beginning to wear. Not at all noticeable, but will need keeping an eye on.
Finally, the gown would have had further black lace around the waist. The stitches for this remain. I would think it would have been a cumberbund, gently horizontally pleated to follow the curves along the bodice bottom edge. You can easily remove these stitches, but I have masses of black lace, so will send enough for you to make a simple cumberbund to replace it if you wish.
******Please note I have found a couple of stitches to the skirt, so there may have been a lace bow or two here. My lace will be enough to make a large bow or two, if you wish to add more decoration.
The bodice is quite tiny with a 29-30" chest and tight midriff. The waist is probably 23", although the skirt waist is just 24".
From Me:
Today is lace day! All things with lace or that look lacy or frothy will be added today. Same rules as the previous few days. Feel free to add comments!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
1840's Printed Bodice
From the seller:
Selling a lovely vintage 1840 - 1850 bodice made of a wonderful old printed fabric. The wide, almost off the shoulder, cut of this piece is typical of this era. The sleeves are short and ruffled. It closes down the back with hook and eyes. The fabric has large flowers in bands of green and smaller flowers in bands of brown. It has some fraying in two areas on the back, the largest of which we point out in our photos. We suggest this bodice be used for display rather than attempting to wear it or perhaps for pattern making. The neck openig measures 15", the bust is 14 1/2" and the length of the bodice from top to bottom is 9 1/4". These mesurements were done with the garment laid flat.
1890's Purple Dress
From the seller:
A rare FRENCH Couture evening gown from 1890's bought at famous Bonhams Auction:14th July 1978 Lot 147!
This Opulent gown is made of the most pleasing Royal Purple silk faille.
The bodice has a low-cut lace-edged evening neckline with large puffy Muton sleeves.
The sleeves have large velvet cuffs in matching color.
The cuffs have Van-dyke turns & each adorned with large hand emroidered button.
Each of the large button has three pink flowers in the center with green foliage.
Buttons are trimmed with gold Bullion threads(see close-up).
The bodice front is adorned with fine cream tulle.
The front opening is edged with purple velvet trim and adorned with three buttons on each side.
The bodice has a pointed waistline which is trimmed with double rows of velvet.
The back waist is has two medium size buttons.
The bodice is fully boned with 11 stays, fully lined with white cotton & silk underarm guards.
It closes with alternative brass hooks/eyes & has an inner belt closes with a large metal buckle.
The couture label,"Robes el Moaes.. Carrie Souter" with royal Emblem is woven on the belt.
The graceful gored, Bell-shape skirt is simple yet elegant & has a large train in the back.
It is unlined & secure with a series of large early snaps & hooks/eyes.
The skirt is made from the matching silk faille & bells beautifully from the waist down.
Each side of the hem has three strips of velvet with three different size buttons to match the bodice(see pic).
The hem of the skirt is lined with purple Coduroy hem protector.
The entire skirt can be worn over layers of elegant lace patticoats.
The entire gown is skillfully & masterfully cut with lots of hand deatil throughout.
The bodice measures 13" across the shoulders, 33" bust, 23" waist & 12" long sleeves. The skirt measures 22" waist, 44"in back length.
The gown is in very good presentable condition, the only flaw is of fragile tulle which need to be replaced.
Otherwise purple fabric is still soft and supple.
A Unique hard to find Opulent French couture gown from 1890's! A beautiful Example!
See photos for part of the description and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
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