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. :-)

1870's Outfit

From the seller:

A beautiful 1890’s ivory silk moiré bodice and trained over skirt. The bodice has a V shaped neckline. The neckline, front opening, hemline and sleeve cuffs are trimmed with braided silk cording. The neckline and sleeve cuffs are decorated with a wide ruffle of lace. The bodice is lined with cotton and has a front button closure. There are two missing buttons. The skirt has a front opening and a very long back train. The overskirt is fully lined with cotton. The bodice and overskirt are in very good condition. There is a very thin line of underarm discoloration and a few scattered small age spots on the back hemline of the over skirt. This ensemble could be displayed with any color under skirt. There is also a barely visible 4 inch mark on the back of the skirt. (See Photo.) Antique clothing should not be worn. Bust 34 Waist 23 Skirt front length 40 back length 63.

From Me:

I have no idea why the seller thinks this is 1890's. The dramatic low v-neck, the construction of the bodice, the complete lack of leg o mutton sleeves, and the lack of a pigeon front all go against this being 1890's. Rather, the style looks to be natural form.
Lucy Hayes Dress 1877
1876 Fashion Plate <- Notice the cut of the bodice on the first lady.
http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/108839?=&imgNo=0&tabName=related-objects

1860's Jacket in Black Lace

From the seller:

A stunning 1860’s black Chantilly lace jacket that has been de-accessioned from a museum collection. The cataloging tag is stitched inside the collar.. The lace is laid over a lining of burgundy silk moiré fabric. The lace has a stylized floral pattern. The lace on the sleeves is designed in the pagoda style. The burgundy under sleeve is tight fitting. The front and back necklines are trimmed with black velvet ribbon bows and long streamers. The jacket has a front hook and eye closure. It is in very good condition. There are no holes in the lace and silk fabrics. There is no underarm discoloration. Antique clothing should not be worn. Bust 34 ½ loose fitting waist 38.

From Me:

Now this is totally what I would wear during the 1860's. This is probably about 1867 so too late for the Civil War Ladies.

1860's Large Scale Plaid Dress

From the seller:

A classic 1860’s Civil War era brown and gray plaid silk dress that is being offered for study or pattern. The sleeves are trimmed with pleated brown satin. The bodice is lined with cotton and has a front button closure. The dress has an attached center back peplum belt that has a large bow and long streamers. The skirt has a back train and is fully lined with cotton. The dress has age related flaws including several age marks from ½ inch to 2 inch on the bodice, skirt and peplum belt. There is dark underarm discoloration and splits under each arm. The reserve reflects the age flaws. Bust 34 Waist 24 Skirt front length 38 Back length 47 Width at hemline 142.

From Me:

Probably just at 1865.

1880's Blue Velvet Bustle Era Outfit

From the seller:

An elegant 1880’sdark blue satin and velvet bustle dress. The bodice is made of velvet. It has a center back peplum and a front button closure. It is lined with cotton. The skirt is lavishly designed with satin draped panels on the front, sides and bustle back. The lower front of the skirt is made of velvet. The front of the skirt is trimmed with dark blue satin ribbon bows. The skirt is unlined except for cotton at the edge of the hemline. The dress is in very good condition.. There are small circles of underarm discoloration on the inside lining only. The skirt front has two dime size holes in the velvet and the lining on the edge of the hemline is splitting. There are a few minor scuff marks on the velvet. The spots on the fabric are from the camera flash and are not present on the fabric. Antique clothing is for display and should not be worn. Bust 35 Waist 28 Skirt length 45.

From Me:

This must have been stunning in its day.

Late 1890's Blue Bodice

From the seller:

ANTIQUE BLUE SILK VICTORIAN JACKET WITH EMBROIDERED NETTING AND SILK PANELS

Dramatic Leg O Mutton sleeves, boned interior and hook and eye closures.

STUNNING
A great piece for study and design.

All measurements are taken of a flat garment

SIZE: L
Bust: 42" Waist: 30" Length: approx. 17"

CONDITION: Excellent vintage condition. The black netting is weak and has begun to shred. Some of
the hook and eyes need to be tacked down. No stains, rips or odors


From Me:

If you think these sleeves are dramatic...

Anyway, late 1890's. Probably about 1897 or so.

1820's Day Cap

From the seller:

An exquisite 1810-1820 muslin high crown day cap. The front of the cap has a panel of white embroidery. The front brim and neckline are trimmed with lace trimmed ruffles. The back crown has a circle and embroidered insert. The circle is outlined with lace. The day cap has white silk chin ties. The day cap is in very good condition. There is no age discoloration and no holes in the muslin fabric. There are a few tiny breaks in the lace trim.

From Me:

With the pleats giving more height to the back of the cap rather than giving it a baggy look, this is probably early 1820's. Here are some similar hats and bonnets from the late Regency, early Romantic Era.

National Trust 1820s cap
Met Sunbonnet 1825
Women's Cap 1820's