Thursday, December 22, 2011

Rather Cute Bustle Era Dress









From the seller:

I purchased two trunks of vintage clothing dating from 1840’s to the 1920's at an estate sale here in Maine. They were the belongings of Sarah Minott, wife of Charles V. Minott, whose shipyard in Phippsburg, Maine built many famous coastal schooners during this period. I will be auctioning these on Ebay over the next few weeks.



This lovely black Bodice and skirt are in wonderful condition. Black silk taffeta with what must have been yards of handmade floral lace trim both pieces. The bodice is un-boned and closes with covered buttons. These are the only flaws on the piece. The covered buttons are all is different stages of being covered! They were covered with crochet, but some of them are falling off, some have none whatsoever. I will leave it for the new owner to decide to pair the crochet or take it off all together. In some of the images the dress looks a little washed out, it is definitely the deep rich dark black that is in the images.



There is no unpleasant odor to these clothes, just the smell that many vintage clothes aquire over time.



The skirt is a voluminous 115” around at the bottom, it was probably worn with a hoop of some kind.



Bodice:

Waist: 29”

Bust: 34”

Shoulder to shoulder 14”

Sleeve length: 22”

Opening at cuff: 9”

Length from back of collar: 22 ½”



Skirt:

41” long

Waist - this is strange, what appears to be the waist would be 25”, but there is an extra flap that is 10” making the entire waist 35”, but I think this has something to do with the hoop or perhaps a bustle? It was always part of the construction and not added as the wearer gained weight as I originally thought? Would love some insight on this if anyone willing to share!

Hip area 84”

Bottom circumference 115”



Please see the many images and don’t hesitate to ask any questions!


From Me:

I don't know why, but I think this bustle era gown is cute. I think it's the small details on an otherwise rather plain dress.

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