Rococo or Victorian Men's Waistcoat - you decide!

From the seller:

Vintage Antique 1700s VEST Waistcoat 36 EMBROIDERED METALLIC Silk Satin

ornate embroidery at front with some metallic stitching
fabric has metallic horizontal threads
buttons are embroidered with sequins
2 pockets, fully cotton lined
flannel back with 3 vents

Chest 36" (38 of fabric); Back length 26"



From Me:

Although the front looks 1760's~1770's, the back does not. The back looks very much like what you'd expect with a Victorian fancy dress outfit. So is this fancy dress or is it authentic? I'm not sure. Any thoughts either way?

Gorgeous! Blue Damask 18th Century Shoe!

From the seller:

Antique 18th Century 1740 Single Blue Damask Velvet Shoe Heel
VERY RARE 18TH CENTURY SHOE FROM MY PERSONAL COLLECTION

THE MATCH, LOST IN TIME THIS IS NOW ALL THATS LEFT, A LONESOME BUT STUNNING RELIC OF TIMES PAST




THE SHOES ARE IN GERERALLY GOOD CONDITION FOR COLLECTION / STUDY
THEY HAVE THE OCCASIONAL RUN/SNAG/ RIP TO THE FABRIC INCLUDING ON THE TOE, HEEL

THE STRAPS SHOULD BE HELD IN PLACE WITH A BUCKLE
LINNED IN LINEN
LEATHER SOLES



QUITE STUNNING AND WOULD MAKE A GREAT DISPLAY FOR ANY SHOE COLLECTOR


From Me:

This is so awesome! A part of me is eye twitching over the use of a fabric pin through the shoe but look at it! Straight lasts were used in the 18th century for economic reasons - it's easier to make two shoes from one last rather than from one right and one left last. Look at the stitching!

The seller thinks these are 1740's (based on the title of the auction) but I think these are much later - more 1760's/1770's. The reason is that the 1740's shoes tend to be pointed at the front (or have some sort of "upturn" at the toe)- these are rounded and flat. The general shape of the toes follows other 1760's/1770's shoes that I've listed below:

• 1760's at Lacma
• 1760's/1770's at the Met
• 1770's on Meg Andrews' site
• 1760's/1770's at the Met in ice blue silk

1760's Robe a la Francaise

From the seller:

Circa 1750-1775, A very beautiful silk brocade sacque back robe, petticoat and stomacher composed of ivory taffeta brocaded with polychrome floral sprays. The robe, petticoat and stomacher are trimmed with furbelows, wired net and silk fringe.The sleeves have a double cuff.The skirt has side openings and the item has a deep front ruffle.Measurements are apprx.58-63 for robe,42”petticoat,chest 28”,waist 22”.In mainly very good condition, front trim on top of bodice needs to be reattached, some spots and splits ,but overall strong and in good condition.Part of a collection from the Metropolitan museum deaccession.LACE veil is NOT INCLUDED IN LISTING.

From Me:

I couldn't find out if it really was part of the massive MET sell off or not but I'm not surprised. The robe is most likely from the early 1760's - the way the skirt is done is typical of the decade before that but the bodice cut and the stomacher cut is more in keeping with the 1760's elongated waistlines. Here's a similar poorly displayed dress from the 1760's (you'd think the MET would do better!). And another dress from the LACMA collection with a similar overall silhouette.

The trim at the top of the stomacher was added much later (19th century).  

1760's Men's Waistcoat

From the seller:

This wonderful antique waistcoat is made from ivory silk taffeta and is hand embroidered with flowers in soft pastels. The covered buttons have embroidered flowers in the center and shallow pockets with embroidered flaps at the bottom. The back is a heavy silk, like a raw silk and it has been expanded in the center back, probably around the time of the gift of the vest. It the pocket is a note looks to been written in a Victorian hand saying it was a gift to her grandfather by a French Count, the name of the grandfather looks to be John Van (can't make it out, maybe Woshand), the lady who wrote it is Mrs. Joseph N Ireland. It has foxing, some spots, minor wear around the armhole seam under the arms, some small scattered holes and a 3 inch tear. It measures 37 inches around the chest and is 27 1/2 inches at the longest point.

From Me:

It reminds me a bit of this one at the Met. I'm trying to figure out why the seller believes the back is raw silk- it looks like cotton to me which would have been pretty expensive still at this point in time.

18th century Child's Cap

From the seller:

this original antique french silk brocade cap from the 18th century is in good condition and still has its original gilt lace edging.
The soft pink roses and green foliage are in a perfect harmony with the light golden brown ground. Lined inside with hand woven linnen
toile it is completely handstitched.
It is a small size, without breaks or major damage just some of the green silk thread has vanished by age on one side.

From Me:

My guess is 1760's but it's hard to tell. These are quite common and were worn by children. Take a look at this one at vintage textile or this pink one.

18th Century Stays

From the seller:

Impressive ecru linen ladies stay or corset dating to the last half of the 18thc. Finely sewn tracks giving the silhouette a barrel front form, with leather trimmings. Back lacings and lined in linen. As found with wear to back edges and some loose stitching of the linen in the interior. Essential under garment for period dress, excellent candidate for collection. Measures 28" across mid section lying flat, stand 14" at the back and 12" in front.

From Me:

My guess is 1760's based on the style and the length of the stays.