Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Blue 1870's Dress












From the seller:

Nice old dress in not such nice condtion! A tealy blue skirt and bodice. The fabric is stained and old but has some interesting features. at some point supenders were added? This came from an estate with clothes dating to the 1840's, not sure about the date on this. Could be something that was reworked?

Please see all the images and don’t hesitate to ask question.

Measures:

Waist
Skirt: 24”
Bodice:23 ¾”
Bodice bust: 34”
Length: 42”
Length of back 72”
Sleeves: 15”
Across the top of the shoulders: 18”


From Me:

I would *love* to see this displayed properly with a bustle.

Late 1860's/Early 1870's Green and Gold Dress


















From the seller:

Interesting bodice, skirt and cape. Not sure exactly it’s date, the fabric is old some of the stitches and trim I am not so sure about. Green and Gold taffeta silk with lace sleeve. The fabric is stained and old. The bodice is not boned, and there is this weird little cotton lined quilted patch/pocket on the left back? Very strange?

The cape is gold with the green trim is tough to see against the skirt. There are straps to put your arms through and it closes with eye hooks. The fabric is pretty torn up around the neckline and there are quite a few little moth holes.

This came from an estate with clothes dating to the 1840's, not sure about the date on this. Could be something that was reworked? Or part of the families costume trunk!

Please see all the images and don’t hesitate to ask question.

Measures:
Waist:

Skirt: 26”
45” long


Bodice:
Waist: 26”

Bust: 36”

Length: 18”

Sleeves: 24”

Across the top of the shoulders: 16”

Cape: 54” long


From Me:

It's not a cape first off. It's probably the overskirt for the green skirt displayed all funny. It looks like someone recently attempted to wear it as a Halloween costume - probably contributed to it's current lack luster state- and added the tulle. The bodice, without the undersleeves, is late 1860's in style. The green skirt looks like it could fit a smaller elliptical hoop - maybe 1869/1870 for a date.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Early 1930's Tomato Red Dress






From the seller:

A lovely cherry red 1920s silk two piece dress. Dress has a lace neckline accent and drop waist with a flared skirt, and the matching bolero has a scalloped hem and gorgeous bell sleeves. Silk fabric. A great piece for study, costume or upcycling/reconstruction!


C O N D I T I O N
Good overall antique condition for it's age, but there are some issues. Mainly, although the measurements are wearable, the side waist seam needs to be opened to put on the dress, most likely, as the waist won't fit over most shoulderlines (perhaps on some, though!) On the dress, the lace portion of the neckline has a 1-1.5" circular brownish spotting, and it appears that the lined portion which was attached to the lace was cut out (so it just hangs there, see photos). No holes on dress though. On the bolero on the other hand, there are several areas of tearing and small holes/fabric splitting, and some discoloration at the underarms. Fabric is far more delicate on the bolero than dress, it appears (perhaps because it has tear), it would be difficult to repair the tearing, but perhaps the bell sleeve portion of the bolero can be salvaged and a new bolero can be created. A great piece for a skilled vikntagehand with a bit of patience and imagination! Price reflects issues, sold AS IS. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.



M E A S U R E M E N T S
Estimated Size: XS-S

DRES
Bust: 34"
Waist: 28"
Hips: 34"
Length:42"

BOLERO
Bust: approx. 34"
Length: 15"
Shoulder to shoulder: 13" approx.


From Me:

The bell sleeves were popular through out the 1930's but they were extremely popular in the very start. My guess is about 1931/1932.

Late 1860's Dress remade into an 1870's outfit

























From the seller:

PARIS LABEL 1870's MOIRE SILK BUSTLE 2-PIECE GOWN WITH TRAIN MUSEUM DE-ACCESSIONED



This is an attractive wedding gown of the 1870's period, that a mid to upper class woman would wear. A regal ivory silk moire 2 PIECE bustled gown de-accessioned from the Rochester historical museum in New York state. The gown still retains it's original Museum ID catalog tag, inside as well as string tags and the name of the person that wore the gown.

Still retaining it's designer label N. RODRIGUES, FOURNISSEUR DE LA COUR D'ITALIE, 29 BOUL. POISSONNIERE, ENTREE RUE MONTMARIRE 178, PARIS.

The bodice is decorated with a pleated net lace trim collar around the front opening with a satin bow. The jacket has fabric covered button front closure. One button missing. The cuffs are also are decorated with net lace and satin ribbon bows.

The bodice is lined with white satin and the jacket and had at one time stays that have been taken out. The sleeves have a slight curve and tapering at the elbow. The bodice sleeve caps and one underarm is badly damaged and needs attention. The sleeves have scattered small holes.

I find only a few minor problems with the skirt. The skirt closes by hooks and loops at the back and gathers with pleats in the back for a nice fall. The rear puff enhances the outfit nicely. The waist band has opened up and let out about 2" of skirt, an easy fix. The skirt is lined with a tan moire and a heavy gauze material. The bottom of the skirt has a few small areas of roughness at edges and some lace detachment. The skirt has a few very small pin holes scattered about. The skirt is in very good condition, the drape material in front has disintigrated from a stain. I have not taken off this draping, and just tucked it under to photograph. This can be taken off.

BODICE: Bust 30", Waist 24", Sleeve Length 17" + lace. Lace 2-3/4".
Shoulder to waist 12",
Across shoulder 11-1/2"

Front skirt length 41" Back length 76", waist 26"


Condition: The gown is in fair to good condition.

A truly grand display dress/gown or for study or for display.


From Me:

The bodice is so clearly 1867/1868 it looks awkward with the 1870's bustle skirt. However, if you look closely, you'll notice the skirt isn't all moire- it's a mix of a couple of different fabrics. Most likely, this was a late 1860's dress that got remade in the early 1870's to match the latest style. The lady who wore this added some lace to the waist to lengthen the bodice to the fashionable 1870's level and also hemmed her re-fashioned skirt with the same lace.