Early Teen's Era Summer Dress

From the seller:

Charming fine linen and machine filet lace tea gown dating to the early 20thc. Back hook and eye on the angle and then down one side. With pintucks and alternating bands of the linen and the lace. In excellent wearable antique condition. Chest 34", waist 24" sleeves 16", length 55".

From Me:

1913 Fashion Plate

Teen's Era Shirtwaist

From the seller:

Antique Victorian Blouse Sheer White Cotton Shirtwaist Button Sleeve Cuffs Lace


Antique shirtwaist blouse / shirt.


Victorian era, circa early 1900s.


Sheer, off-white color.


Lace embellishment.


Snap closure along the front, left chest.


Long sleeves, with upturned cuffs. Each has three snap closures, with decorative buttons on the outside. The left wrist is missing two of its buttons.


Vertical tucks on the back.


Approximate Measurements on mannequin:

Length down the back center, from base of collar to bottom hem: 16"

Armpit to armpit across the front, laid flat: 18"

Armpit seam to wrist: 16"

Shoulder seam to wrist: 20"

Across the front, laid flat, at the waist: 14"


Two missing buttons on the left wrist. Since this is a museum piece, there may be some repairs / modifications that I am unaware of.


I am selling this for a museum in Tombstone, Arizona that has recently closed. I'll be adding dozens of items per month until the project is complete. You can see all of the pieces currently available in my Tombstone AZ Museum Collection.

From Me:

This is a lovely teen's era shirtwaist. I love the pintucks and the use of trims. I'd easily wear something like this today to work.

1917 Fashion Plate

Early 1920's Sheer Dress

From the seller:

Unbelievable to find a dress from the 20s in this condition.
Entirely made up of embroidered lace panels.
Would have originally had a slip or under dress as the dress is completely sheer.
No openings or fasteners, the dress slips over the head.

Excellent condition - one small rust mark in the back of the neck from with I surmise was from a metal hanger; One small darkened spot above left breast; One small darkened spot at hem.

Mannequin mesures 34x24x36 and the dress is a perfect fit.

From Me:

My guess is about 1923, give or take a year, based on the length of the dress. This over a silver lame or a pastle slip? It would have been stunning - Also! Great use for all those vintage trims that seems to populate four large boxes in my sewing room now...

Early 20th Century Collection of Ladies Clothing

From the seller:

I've decided to part with my oldest, proudest collection. It is truly the end of an era.

Note that these pieces are approaching/around 100 years old so they are in no way "perfect". Some have small tears and the dress has some discoloration. I am a 34c-d, 27"-28" waist and they all fit me ok with a little room to spare. The dress is an extra large. The worst damage can be found on one garment(see last two photos) where the fabric has given along the seams. The rest are regular stains that came with age. Most should come off with a good soak. The dress has noticeable discoloration on the lower sides. The tabard has the most delicate lace embroidery and I just adore it. No returns. Handle with care as fabrics are delicate

From Me:

The Orange Dress is most likely 1920's but it's hard to tell based on the one image.

The short sleeved blouse with the delicate embroidery is Teen's Era.

The swirly lace covered jacket is so very 1930's.  That peplum plus the sleeves scream 1930's.

The pigeon front blouse is, of course, Edwardian as is the lace collar one.

The dickey is from the Teen's Era.

Late Victorian Day Dress in Black and White

From the seller:

Alright folks!! This is the real deal here! Not a reproduction!!! This is 100% wool material with velvet trim. The skirt is 2 piece, with the underskirt made out of a crape type material. The waist band of the underskirt was not complete when I bought it, so I added a elastic waist band in the waist material. The top is also period, with boned front, pleated sides, sweat pads in the arm pits and all hook and eyes. This is a wearable size people, just keep in mind it is over a hundred years old. Bust would be about a 32 or 34. Waist is about a 26-28. Lenght is 40. Would fit a modern size 6. The material is not frail as of yet, but will not stand alot of straining at the seams to tear them out so be careful if you try to wear it.

From Me:

Remember, that's a modern size 6 without a corset. With a corset, it's more of a modern size 8 or so.

1890's Fashion Plate

This is Turn of the Century - most likely 1898/1899.