Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Edwardian Dress









From the seller:

Please do not confuse my low starting bids with low quality items. vntgclothing trusts in the eBay bidding system and I believe the market will find the right prices. I get all of my items from high end, specialty estate auctions and private sales. I strive to bring my customers nothing but the finest in Victorian clothing & textiles. Thank you so much for looking and please be sure to add vntgclothing to your favorites!

This auction is for a most magnificent antique 1890's Victorian ballgown. Still with it's 1800's Petersham gold stamp impressed on the silk corset band. It reads:

" Mrs. C Donovan 280 Madison Ave New York "

Silver satin and gold metalic thread brocade floral design throughout this 2 piece ensemble. Billowy silk chiffon sleeves with matching brocade bows at gathered cuffs. Same draping silk chiffon insert corset jacket bodice with matching chiffon bow front. A total of thirteen sewn in metal corset stays, three of which are located in center front for slim fit. The bustle back skirt is truly regal in it's own right. It features the most exquisite sweeping back train. Long pleated front with lower scallops along skirt hemline front panel. This scallop is edged with matching ruched silk chiffon which then travels along the skirts lower hemline. Tons of gathers in the skirt rear to accomodate both your hoop skirt and wire cage bustle . Early hook & eyes up both skirt back and corset jacket back. Just an amazing, genuine 1800's Victorian dress for display. The following flaws are noted: The silk lining within the corset top is shattered and of no value. You will need to rework this in order for the jacket to hold together enough to be worn. Silk chiffon under left underarm is worn. There is a fine gathering of thin tulle along the neckline...I do not quite understand it's reason, and thus I suppose it can be removed when bodice is restored. The skirt is in amazing condition, but does have a 15" straight tear along the back train hemline with a 2" tear just aove 1/4"....see photos below. There is a small age spot and some dirt along the train's hemline. The lower front skirt panel had a row of matching silk chiffon as a drape. There are remnants only left...I would simply remove. The lower skirt front is lined in a gold silk. There is some shattering of this lining. The silk along the waistband is slightly worn in areas. Overall this is in amazing condition. Once the bodice is restored, I imagine this being worn to a vintage event and shown on museum display as an early designer piece. No reserve! This elegant 1890's dress measures as follows:

Jacket

Bust: 32 inches

Waist: 26 inches

Underarm side seam: 9 inches

Skirt

Waist: 26 inches

Hips: bustle back

Side seam: 46 inches

Mid back waist to train end: 64 inches

With some restoration, this is spectacular dress is sure to be one of your most prized vintage clothing posessions!



From Me:

Sorry, seller, but this is clearly from about 1904, give or take a year or two. So, the fact you are saying "genuine 1800's Victorian" when it's not is a little deceitful.

1 comment:

  1. It's so irritating how so many people assume that something antique is automatically Victorian! Like, that was only about a 65 year period people -.-

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