From the seller:
This gown dates to 1800 -1810 and is fashioned of a rich rare figural silk with a floral pattern throughout. The Fabric is in a soft green hue, light buttered brown solid silk is pinched in pleating and ruffles throughout the bottom, matching belting is attached at the waist. The gown is cut in free form, no enclosures, and slips over the head with the waistline drawing in with the belting. There are some small holes atop each of the puff sleeves, could have been from damage of hanging. Pleating has come out of the belting, especially at the ends. The condition is otherwise excellent, very clean. Measures 36 inches around the bust, 52 inches in length, and bottom hem flowing 56 inches around.
From Me:
Okay. Normally I'm pretty in line with this seller but this time? I think she's WAY off, like by 100 years off. The hem is way too narrow for any Regency gown I've ever seen. The fabric is very similar in design to a brocade that I have/have seen around the 1890's. The sleeves look closer to late Victorian/Edwardian construction.
However, in her favor, the way the bodice is across the top, near the shoulders is what I'm use to seeing with Regency gowns. So, what do you think? Directorate or Neo Directorate?
She is WAY wrong. The telltale seams for dating something to that period are NOT there. On Regency/Empire there's a seam on each side back that curves out.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing it's an unfortunate, badly done modern attempt at a Regency gown, made with vintage fabric.