Saturday, January 3, 2015

Edwardian Blue Dress












From theseller:

True antique Victorian evening gown..

I so rarely find dresses of such quality in such good condition, this is really a spectacular dress in my opinion

I estimate this dress to date between 1870-1890 at the latest, so its a later Victorian dress

Label is Miss E Wills, I did find evidence of her being born in 1839 and she was listed as a dress maker

Dress and lace as well as the sheer lining beneath the lace are all silk I believe. I believe embroidery thread is also silk

Color is a steely cornflower blue (blue with a slight grey undertone for lack of better description)

Lace is an off white

Front bodice is embroidered in real gold thread, some tarnishing, this is gold work emboidery

Front tassel hangs below bust, anchored by a self covered faux buckle, made of real gold thread

Embroidered lace sleeves, bodice and back

Sleeves and neck are ruffled

High neck, has boning...there are two spots for boning, one is missing and other needs to be properly sewn back in

Built in corsetry and interior waist band

Boning in the waist and bodice (just under bust)

Beautifully embroidered netting goes over bust, shoulders and back as well as encircling the hemline and train

Bodice and sleeves are lined in a sheer silk chiffon (to the best of my knowledge I believe this is silk chiffon)

High gathered waist line comes up under bust

Back gathers and drapes and falls into a small train

This gown is so stunning I could go on and on about it but the pictures show how lovely it is, such a nice shade of blue.

Measurements are of actual garment so compare to another similar for sizing. If you need additional measurements please message me and I can provide whatever you need...

Bust 34 inch

Under bust 30 inch

Waist 24 inch

Hips should be worn flowing but max 40 inch

Sleeves 24 inch

Shoulders 16 inch

High neck 12 inch

Length at front from collar bone to hem line 43 inches

Length at back from back of neck to end of train is 70 inches

I believe this is best for display, inspiration, study, pattern making. The lace is fragile so I wouldn't dare wear it.

Dress is sold as is, please see pictures to correspond with condition description

Condition...some fading throughout, particularly at left bust area, shoulder, left hip area.

Lace has torn at bodice, its not horribly noticeable as it is extremely fine and sheer lace and t has a chiffon like lining beneath. Could be carefully restored I just know it.

Right under bust area needs stitching

In the interior back area where hooks meet eyes in the lace the silk is papery and breaking, I would reinforce this area

Lace is tea stained throughout

At neck line the lace is shattering on the inside but is still in good enough shape that repair in the way of reinforcing would work

Some breaks in lace at bodice, sleeves and back, they are small and can be repaired

Some small tears in skirt of dress, particularly in the train

Some spots and staining throughout...see all pictures, I tried to capture all of them but I may have missed small ones. I cannot guarantee any or all will come out

With careful restoration this could be a stunning addition for any collection, its so difficult to find vividly colored garments still available

Payment must be made within 48 hours of auction end.

All US shipping goes by priority mail with insurance, international is priority express with insurance.

I do not falsify customs forms

Please have a look at my other auctions for more true vintage...thanks for looking and happy bidding!!


From Me:

No idea why the seller thinks this falls into the Bustle era.... Here are two plates from 1908 that show similar styles to this dress.



Anyway, I tried to look up Miss E Wills. I didn't find her but the york place mansions seems to pretty much disappear around WWII - not to much surprise, really. According to this they were located on Baker street in London. The funniest thing I found was that a Miss Bennett lived two houses down from Miss Wills. :-)

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