Late Teens Era Dres

From the seller:

Perfect combination of ecru lace and silk, all painstakingly constructed in this Edwardian gown. The lace neckline is lined in silk tulle stitched to a different patterned tulle to add interest to the sleeves, where the lace is delicately gathered down the center.
The bodice is designed like a wide, gathered sash that wraps around and snaps in all directions. Someone definitely had an attendant to help get into this dress.
The over-skirt has a pannier effect due to gathers below the hips and it also has an interesting, square tab detailed hem. The back bodice is covered with a large lace panel that makes a small bustle on the lower back. And another lace panel makes a petticoat effect under-skirt.
A few minor water spots as pictured. The back view is fabulous, making this a beautiful and unique wedding dress.

Label: "B. Altman & Co., Paris, New York"

Approximate Measurements:
Bust: 32"
Waist: 26"
Hips: 46"
Length: 49"


From Me:
I doubt this is a wedding dress. It looks more like a nice evening dress. Think cocktails in the modern fashion vocabulary. :-)

1850's Ball Headpiece Accessory

From the seller::

DATING TO THE 1830’S TO 1840’S




FASHIONED OF A BROWN AND BLACK SILK CHENILLE OF A WIRED BASE




TOP IN BRAIDED FASHION




PINWHEEL DETAILS AT EACH SIDE




DANGLING CHENILLE FRINGE FROM THE BOTTOM OF EACH PINWHEEL




ONLY FLAW IS THAT ONE SIDE HAS SOME OF THE FRINGE ABSENT, I PERSONALLY WOULD MOVE FRINGE AND EVEN OUT THE DISTRIBUTION
















MEASURES 24 INCHES END TO END WITH 3 1/2 INCHES ACROSS THE PINWHEEL



From Me:

I get why the seller thinks this might be a Romantic Era piece. However, the pinwheels come too far down on the head - the ones in the 1840's typically go above the Cavalier curls and not on top of them.

Instead, I think this is from the 1850's.

...And I think it's made from pipe cleaners.

Blue Plaid Mid 1860's Dress

From the seller:

Delightful C1850-60 Antique Civil War era 2pc blue plaid silk hand stitched dress in very nice original condition.




All lined with polished cotton, trimmed with ruched blue trim. Lovely full shaped sleeves.




The waist is 24", bust is 34". The skirt measures 52" long in back and 46" long in front. The full skirt measures 140" around!




The edges of the bodice are piped, the buttons are braided fabric covered. The bottom of the skirt is edged with a matching blue trim.




The condition of this Antique dress is very good. There are a few tiny holes in the silk however it is generally in excellent condition. There are light underarm stains with very slight silk breakdown in this area, but again this is not a big issue.




This is a very pleasing Antique dress which could be worn. It would make a nice addition to any Antique clothing collection.




From Me:

POCKET!!!!

I swore up and down I already posted this dress but I can't find it so...here it is!

Early 1820's Dress

From the seller:

We are offering for sale in this auction a truly wonderful original silk dress dating from 1810 to the early 1820’s period. This lovely dress is constructed from a crepe style olive green silk which is in very solid and flexible condition. It is of course entirely hand sewn. The bodice is lined with a combination of linen and cotton muslin, also in very good, solid condition. The sleeves were lined in brown polished cotton, most of which is now missing. Skirt portion is unlined. There is no evidence of hooks and eyes and we believe it was probably pinned for closure. This dress has a great style with its round collar, waistband of light gold taffeta and 4 tiny pleats above the hem. I would rate the overall condition of this dress as excellent for its age. There are only a few tiny holes as would come from insects, no rips, tears or repairs. The underarm areas do show perspiration stains, probably caused by the brown polished cotton lining. The inside back of the collar has a piece mismatched piece of silk brocade and there are small wedges of the dress fabric which look to be added to the shoulder seams. This all looks to be period to the garment; perhaps to enlarge for another wearer. This lovely piece has been in my personal collection for several years and I am rather sad to part with it, but, it deserves to be seen and appreciated by others, not just stored in a museum box. The following are its measurements: Bust 28 inches, Empire Waist 24 inches, Sleeve Length 25 inches, Front Length 51 inches, Back Length 54 inches and Hem Circumference of 68 inches. PLEASE NOTE: No attempt should be made to wear any garment of this great age and therefore measurements are provided for reference purposes only.

From Me:

I love this seller if for no other reason than their note. THANK YOU!

Anyway, the still empire bust waist and the starting to puff out (not up like the 1890's) sleeves mean this is probably from the 1819-1823 time frame.

Late 1860s Green Dress (?)

From the seller:

Edwardian Day Dress Gown actually worn in Avon, CT.

Extremely sought after color.

Repaired to wearable condition.

bust 36"

waist 24"

hips -

front skirt length 44"

back length 57.5"

From shoulder to bottom of cropped waistcoat 16.5"

hem circumference - 132"

From Me:

The hem seems a bit narrow but not horribly. It's clearly not Edwardian. I'm thinking 1867 or thereabout.

Child's 1850's Dress Plaid!

From the seller:

A precious child’s 1860’s Civil War era brown and beige plaid challis dress. The bodice has short sleeves that are trimmed with pleated brown silk. The neckline is trimmed with a ruffle of white cotton. The neck and waist are piped. The bodice is lined with cotton and has a back brown silk button closure. The skirt is unlined. The dress is in good as found condition. There are some scattered holes in the skirt. Shoulders 9 Bust 20 ½ Waist 22 Length from shoulder to hem 21.


From Me:

Unfortunately, lately, this seller thinks *everything* is 1860's. This is probably about 1855 based on the bodice and sleeves. It could have been for either a boy or a girl as boys wore dresses until they were out of diapers.